Gard flooded bridge rescue, Digi Mart USA News (Salinelles, Gard, France): A new Mediterranean weather episode hit the Gard department of southern France on Thursday, November 5, 2026, on a smaller scale than the department has experienced in recent weeks. In some areas, where soils were already saturated from earlier episodes, runoff occurred and bridges quickly went under water.
Some roads and bridges that were closed to traffic did not stop motorists from driving onto them and taking serious risks. In Salinelles, near Sommières, two people were rescued by firefighters.
Two vehicles became trapped in 40 cm (about 16 inches) of water. Around 3:30 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to rescue four occupants of the two vehicles, which were stuck on the flooded lanes of a bridge on departmental road 35, despite the presence of barriers meant to prevent traffic.
Two uninjured people were brought to safety by rescuers, and two others managed to get out of the vehicles before emergency crews arrived. The drivers’ disregard for the closures required 15 firefighters, including a team of specialized swift-water rescuers.
The Gard Prefecture announced in a message on its social media accounts that the motorists who moved the barriers will be fined. Crossing a submersible bridge is punishable by a fifth-class fine of up to 1,500 euros.
