In April 2017, during renovations at Monaco’s Hôtel de Paris, a tragic accident occurred when a newly planted palm tree fell, injuring two temporary workers, Merouane and Ben Ali Abdallah, who were working on waterproofing nearby. Abdallah, who was left paraplegic, endured three years of suffering before passing away in March 2020 at age 60. An investigation linked his death directly to the accident, and now, seven years later, three companies involved in the project face charges of “involuntary manslaughter” and “involuntary injuries” in a Monaco court.
Prosecutors accuse the landscaping companies of failing to set up a safety perimeter and suggest the palm may not have been securely anchored, possibly due to pressure to expedite work for the Grand Prix. On that morning, wind gusts reached up to 65 km/h, which may have contributed to the tree’s fall. Each company claims they were unaware that landscaping and waterproofing activities would occur simultaneously.
Representing Abdallah’s family, attorney Xavier-Alexandre Boyer argued the companies’ negligence led to Abdallah’s years of severe suffering, seeking compensation for his relatives. Merouane’s attorney requested damages for his client’s physical and mental suffering as well.
First Substitute Prosecutor Julien Pronier criticised the prioritisation of speed over safety, pointing to inadequate instructions and a lack of a required safety zone, adding that co-activity on the site posed serious risks. The prosecution seeks a 10,000 euro fine for the landscaping company, which has since absorbed a second company, and 3,000 euros for the waterproofing company. Defence attorneys argue for acquittal, questioning the absence of key site managers and urging Monaco to strengthen workplace safety regulations. A verdict is expected on December 10.
