French football fans were forced to evacuate Stade de la Source on Friday evening when a huge fire broke out. The threat of toxic fumes saw supporters stream out of the stadium as the match between US Orleans and Valenciennes was abandoned.
Video footage posted to social media shows smoke billowing out of the refreshments area due to what appears to be a kitchen fire. The pitch quickly became covered in a thick, black fog as fans – many while covering their noses – climbed down from their seats.
The blaze hit top gear by the time firefighters arrived on the scene with amazed supporters watching on from a safe distance.
The away team, Valenciennes, notified their supporters of the delay by posting on social media. They wrote: “The second half cannot start due to a fire in the refreshment bar at Stade de la Source.”
US Orleans made the perfect start in front of their home supporters, with Fahd El Khoumisti converting from the spot inside three minutes. But they were pegged back midway through the first period when Nick Venema equalised. Match organisers halted the contest due to the fire with the score at 1-1.
The match was subsequently abandoned, with the French third division’s official X account posting: “Match interrupted between Orleans and Valenciennes. The fire was put out but the match will not resume tonight. Strength to all supporters present on site and at the club of US Orleans.”
One hour after the fire first broke out, fan group Drouguis Orleans informed fellow supporters that there had been no casualties. “We would like to reassure the families of supporters who attended the match,” they wrote on X. “Despite the violent fire still raging at the Stade de la Source, there are no serious casualties. All the public are currently leaving the stadium.”
Others were quick to show support, with @Vavid1 writing: “Solidarity with the poor supporters of the Stade de la Source…” and @WilliamFadaom13 adding: “We hope there is not too much damage.”