Two French tourists killed and five others injured in traffic accident in Samaná

Two French nationals were killed and several people injured on Saturday night in a traffic accident in the community of El Catey, in the municipality of Sánchez, Samaná Province, when a tourist transport minibus collided head-on with a pickup truck.

The deceased were identified as Jean Phillippe Champeaux and Severine Yvette Claudette Leuk. According to medical reports, Champeaux died from severe closed head trauma and blunt abdominal trauma, while Leuk succumbed to severe head injuries, including a fracture at the base of the skull.

Among the injured was Jorge Thomas Dishmey Amparo, the driver of the tourist minibus. Victoriana Altagracia and her 14-year-old daughter, who were traveling on a motorcycle at the time of the crash, also sustained injuries.

In addition, two Haitian nationals were injured in the accident. Their identities have not yet been established because they were not carrying identification documents.

The collision occurred along the Sánchez–Samaná highway near El Catey, a major route connecting the province’s tourism destinations.

Preliminary reports indicate that the accident occurred when the pickup truck allegedly attempted an unsafe passing maneuver, resulting in the head-on collision between the two vehicles. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

The tragedy has once again raised concerns about road safety on the country’s highways, particularly in areas frequented by tourists.