19-year-old Korean drowns beneath Avignon bridge
A 19-year-old South Korean has drowned at the foot of the world-famous mediaeval bridge in the southern French city of Avignon. Rescue workers were unable to save him after he was draggeddown by the current in front of his wife and two friends.
Issued on:
The young tourist jumped into the water at the foot of Avignon's Saint-Bénezet bridge, the subject of the famous song Sur le pont d'Avignon, to cool off from the summer heat.
But he was a poor swimmer and eddies in the water dragged him down.
Rescue workers found him six metres under water but were unable to save his life.
He, his wife and his friends were due to return to South Korea on Thursday.
Avignon, with its bridge and the mediaeval Palais des Papes, is one of France's most visited tourist destinations.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe