In Normandy, the search operation commenced on Friday to locate three individuals who went missing in underground galleries near the Saint-Étienne church in Fécamp. Two men, aged 38 and 43, along with a woman entered these restricted subterranean galleries by forcing a trapdoor during the night from Thursday to Friday. The authorities were alerted around 2 p.m. on Friday when a relative reported their absence after they failed to return home.

The prefecture of Seine-Maritime confirmed that rescue operations were initiated to find the missing persons, emphasizing the dangers associated with these underground galleries that are closed to the public. The search is being conducted by emergency services in a race against time, as concerns grow over the well-being of those who ventured into the underground structures, which could potentially be hazardous due to structural instabilities or lack of proper ventilation.

This incident highlights not only the adventurous but risky behavior some individuals may engage in but also raises questions about public safety regarding access to such locations. Local authorities are likely to reevaluate security measures to prevent unauthorized access to these dangerous areas in the future and ensure the safety of residents and tourists alike.