More than two decades after the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, one of the first responders at the scene, French firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, has spoken publicly about his experience for the first time. His calm professionalism and compassion during those final moments have added a human dimension to an event that continues to be remembered around the world.
The Night of the Paris Car Crash
In the early hours of August 31, 1997, a car carrying Princess Diana, Dodi Fayed, and their driver Henri Paul crashed in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel in Paris, France. According to official French investigations, the vehicle was traveling at high speed when it collided with a pillar inside the underpass. The impact resulted in the immediate deaths of Henri Paul and Dodi Fayed, while Princess Diana and her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, were critically injured.
French emergency services were dispatched within minutes of the crash. Among the first responders on the scene was firefighter Xavier Gourmelon, who was part of a rescue team stationed nearby. His testimony, shared in later interviews with reputable outlets including The Sun and the BBC, provides a rare and respectful insight into those moments.
First Response and Initial Assessment
Gourmelon described arriving at the tunnel and finding the wreckage of the Mercedes-Benz S280. His immediate task was to assess the victims’ conditions and provide first aid. “We arrived quickly and worked to stabilize the passengers,” he said. The scene, he recalled, was chaotic but controlled as firefighters and medics coordinated their efforts.
Among the survivors was a woman who appeared to be in shock but conscious. Gourmelon, not realizing her identity at the time, tried to calm her as medical assistance was prepared. According to his statement, she briefly spoke in English, expressing confusion about what had happened. Gourmelon responded by holding her hand and reassuring her that help was on the way.
He noted that, outwardly, she did not appear to have visible major injuries beyond a shoulder wound, although internal injuries were later found to be severe. Medical experts later determined that Princess Diana had suffered significant internal bleeding, which was not immediately apparent at the scene.
Assistance from a Passing Doctor
Another early responder was Dr. Frédéric Mailliez, an off-duty emergency physician who happened upon the accident while driving home. Speaking to Reuters and The Associated Press, Mailliez recounted pulling over to offer help before the arrival of emergency services. He used his professional kit to provide initial medical support to the injured passengers.
Dr. Mailliez later told reporters that he focused on stabilizing the woman he later learned was Princess Diana. “She was unconscious and struggling to breathe, but she appeared to have no major external injuries,” he said. He explained that he administered oxygen and stayed by her side until paramedics arrived.
Neither Mailliez nor Gourmelon knew they were assisting one of the world’s most famous public figures. Both learned her identity only after she was placed into an ambulance and taken to the Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital.
Medical Response and Hospital Efforts
Princess Diana was transported to the hospital shortly after 2 a.m. local time. Despite extensive medical intervention, including surgery, her injuries were too severe. French officials later confirmed that she passed away in the early hours of the morning. The official cause of death, determined through medical examination and confirmed in later inquests, was internal hemorrhage caused by chest injuries.
Her bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries. He later provided key testimony during investigations into the incident.
Reflections from the Scene
Gourmelon, who later provided statements to both French authorities and British investigators, said that learning he had been assisting Princess Diana deeply affected him. “I did not know it was her. I only found out afterward,” he explained in his interview. His reflections were not focused on the tragedy itself, but on the professionalism and humanity of the emergency response teams that night.
His recollection was echoed by Father Yves-Marie Clochard-Bossuet, the hospital chaplain on duty that night. In an interview published by The Telegraph, he described being called to attend to a high-profile patient, only to realize it was Princess Diana. He said that upon seeing her, he was struck by her peaceful appearance and thought immediately of her young sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
Official Investigations and Findings
Following the tragedy, French and British authorities conducted extensive investigations into the causes of the crash. The official French inquiry, completed in 1999, concluded that driver Henri Paul was driving at high speed and under the influence of alcohol, which contributed to the loss of control. The findings were later supported by a separate British inquest, known as Operation Paget, which reaffirmed that the crash was a tragic accident.
The inquests also addressed numerous conspiracy theories that circulated in the years following the event, confirming that there was no evidence of foul play. Both investigations highlighted the dangers of high-speed driving and the lack of seatbelt use among the passengers — a detail that experts say could have impacted survivability.
Global Reaction and Legacy
News of Princess Diana’s death shocked the world and led to an unprecedented outpouring of public grief. Tens of thousands of mourners gathered outside Kensington Palace and other royal residences, leaving flowers, letters, and candles. Global media coverage continued for weeks as millions watched her funeral on September 6, 1997.
Her passing marked a turning point in how the British monarchy engaged with the public. The late Queen Elizabeth II later addressed the nation, paying tribute to Diana as “an exceptional and gifted human being.” The tragedy also led to lasting changes in press ethics and paparazzi conduct across Europe.
Remembering Princess Diana
More than 25 years later, Princess Diana remains a global icon of compassion and humanitarian work. Her advocacy for causes such as AIDS awareness, landmine removal, and homelessness left a lasting legacy that continues through the charitable efforts of her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
In recent years, both princes have spoken about their mother’s enduring influence on their lives and public service. The statue unveiled at Kensington Palace Gardens in 2021 stands as a tribute to her kindness, empathy, and commitment to helping others.
A Firefighter’s Perspective Decades Later
For Xavier Gourmelon, the memory of that night remains vivid. As he reflected years later, his account underscores the professionalism of the first responders who worked tirelessly amid the chaos of one of the most reported accidents in modern history. His calm actions, together with the assistance of Dr. Mailliez and other emergency personnel, serve as a reminder of the human compassion at the heart of every rescue effort.
While the night of August 31, 1997, remains etched in global memory for its sorrow, it also reflects the courage of those who responded swiftly to try to save lives under extraordinary circumstances.