Motorists Injured After Driving into Closed Section of A63 During Farmer Protests
Two motorists sustained injuries Monday evening after inadvertently entering a closed section of the A63 motorway near Cestas, Gironde, and colliding with sand barriers. The incident occurred amidst ongoing farmer protests against government-mandated livestock culls aimed at controlling the spread of lumpy skin disease.
The accident unfolded around 7 p.m. on December 15, 2025, as road crews were actively working to block access to the A63 at interchange 25. According to reports from HERE Gironde (formerly France Bleu), the two drivers, originating from the Cestas motorway area, bypassed the closures by utilizing a tunnel connecting the rest area’s two sides, re-entering the A63 towards Bordeaux. They then struck piles of sand recently deposited on the roadway as part of the closure efforts.
One driver suffered serious injuries, while the other sustained lighter wounds. Emergency services responded to the scene and provided medical attention to both individuals.
The incident took place in close proximity to a mobilization point established by the Rural Coordination farmers, who began protesting on the A63 Sunday evening. The farmers are demonstrating against the government’s decision to slaughter herds in an effort to contain the outbreak of lumpy skin disease, a highly contagious viral disease affecting cattle.
A representative from the Gironde prefecture stated that officials are investigating how the motorists were able to circumvent the road closure measures. The prefecture emphasized the importance of adhering to all traffic signals and closures, particularly in areas experiencing protests or road work.
The farmer’s protest highlights the growing tensions between agricultural communities and government policies regarding animal health and disease control. The situation underscores the potential for disruptions and safety concerns when protests intersect with major transportation routes.
