An unexpected incident occurred on the A5 motorway when a Brinks van’s doors opened, spilling a pallet of silver beads onto the road near the Éprunes toll booth. The guards inside were unaware of the mishap until later, leading to an investigation into potential theft or an insurance fraud scheme. While highway staff cleared the area, various theories are being considered, including that passersby might have taken some beads. Surveillance footage is being reviewed to uncover the details.
Bizarre Incident on the A5 Motorway
An unusual event unfolded on Tuesday afternoon on the A5 motorway, specifically at the Éprunes toll booth in Montereau-sur-le-Jard, Seine-et-Marne. While traveling from the provinces toward Paris, the doors of a Brinks van unexpectedly opened, catching the guards inside completely off guard, as confirmed by Jean-Michel Bourlès, the public prosecutor of Melun.
During this startling occurrence, a portion of the cargo—a pallet filled with bags of silver beads meant for jewelry crafting—spilled onto the roadway. The van, details about whether it was marked or unmarked remain unclear, continued on its journey without the guards noticing the mishap, as explained by the magistrate.
Investigation and Theories
A truck driver, halted by the pallet obstructing the toll booth, was the first to alert the highway company about the debris on the ground. Although the highway staff promptly removed the pallet, some bags had burst open, releasing numerous silver beads onto the road. “The staff collected as many beads as possible and stored them while awaiting the guards’ return,” stated Bourlès.
Several theories are being explored regarding this incident. The Brinks van made a stop at a gas station before the guards became aware of the missing cargo and retraced their steps to recover the pallet and its contents. Upon reaching their destination in Paris, the guards and their employer reported a significant loss of silver beads, prompting an investigation by the prosecutor’s office. “There are multiple scenarios we are considering,” he noted. These include the possibility that those who cleaned up took some beads, that motorists picked up the scattered beads, or even the chance of an insurance fraud attempt.
As for the surveillance footage, the prosecutor mentioned, “The challenge lies in the fact that the surveillance system isn’t located on-site; it operates from Dijon. The highway police had to travel to retrieve the footage, which is currently under review.” Initially categorized as a “theft,” the investigation may reveal that the situation could be a simple case of spilled beads or a more complex insurance scam. The estimated damages reach several thousand euros, and inquiries are still underway.