15-Year-Old Student Loses Hand During French School Protests

A 15-year-old student lost his hand on Monday, October 5, during protests over poor conditions in France’s schools in the northern town of Lens.

The teenager was taking part in demonstrations over overcrowded classrooms, teacher shortages and deteriorating school buildings when he suffered the severe injury. Local authorities confirmed that an investigation had been opened into the incident.

Local reports said the student picked up a police stun grenade, which then exploded in his hand. However, French authorities have stressed that the circumstances are still being investigated, and the precise sequence of events has not been fully established.

The incident comes as student protests continue to spread across France. Hundreds of secondary schools have been fully or partially closed, while demonstrations in several cities have resulted in clashes, arrests and injuries.

Students have been protesting against staff shortages, overcrowded classrooms, long school schedules and the deteriorating condition of school facilities. The movement has grown into a wider challenge for the government as it faces pressure over public spending and its proposed 2027 budget.

The injury in Lens has further intensified concerns about the increasingly confrontational response to the protests and the risks faced by young demonstrators.