PARIS — 1997 · Major Tragedy
Diana, Princess of Wales — The Paris Crash
On 31 August 1997, a traffic collision in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris killed Diana, Princess of Wales (36), her companion Dodi Fayed (42), and the driver, Henri Paul; her bodyguard survived with serious injuries. The car, fleeing pursuing photographers, struck a pillar in the middle of the tunnel at roughly twice the speed limit. Both the French investigation and a subsequent extensive British police review examined more than 175 separate conspiracy claims and interviewed over 1,200 witnesses. Neither investigation found any evidence supporting claims of murder or a cover-up. In the British inquest, which concluded in 2008, the jury ruled that the deaths had resulted from the driver's unlawful act of dangerous and drunk driving combined with the pursuing photographers' gross negligence. The case sparked debate worldwide over paparazzi ethics and privacy law.
- Date
- 1997
- Place
- Pont de l'Alma Tunnel, France, Paris, FR
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 48.8641, 2.3014 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 1997The crash took place (August 31)
- 1999The French investigation concluded
- 2006The British police review report was published
- 2008The inquest jury announced its verdict
Sources
- Official Report
- Court Records
- Contemporary Press Archive
Source grade C: no linked source yet; details rely on the general press archive. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.