Paris protests: 40,000 march, 15‑year‑old loses a hand in clash

Tens of thousands of high‑school students teamed up with trade unions to flood the streets of Paris, with estimates of up to 40,000 demonstrators expected on Tuesday.

The massive turnout quickly turned volatile. Police tried to keep order, but clashes erupted, leading to arrests and a string of injuries – the most dramatic being a 15‑year‑old whose hand was blown off during the turmoil.

Even the prime minister’s office weighed in, urging participants to keep the gatherings “peaceful” amid the growing tension.

The scene was a chaotic mix of shouted slogans, flashing police lights and the occasional siren, as demonstrators and officers navigated the crowded avenues.

The injured teenager was rushed to a nearby hospital, where medical staff worked urgently to treat the severe injury.

Protesters are demanding better school conditions, a message that resonated loudly despite the unsettling turn of events.

In the end, Paris kept its historic charm, though the city’s streets added a few more emergency room visits to the day’s tally.