The death of Princess Diana remains one of the most distressing public events in modern history.
The tragic car accident that claimed her life has been surrounded by mystery and speculation since that fateful day, continuing to evoke controversy even today.
Let us delve into the sequence of events that led to Princess Diana’s untimely demise.
It all began on Saturday, August 30, 1997, when Diana and her rumored boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, arrived in Paris after enjoying a 10-day vacation in the French Riviera.
Their escapade had caused quite a stir in the British tabloids.
Seeking respite from the prying eyes of the public, the couple checked into the Ritz Hotel, which was owned by Fayed’s father at the time.
Little did they know that tragedy lurked just around the corner.
Shortly after midnight on Sunday, Diana and Dodi entered a waiting Mercedes-Benz limousine.
Speculations arose that they were en route to Dodi’s private Parisian estate, seeking privacy away from the public eye.
Despite the speed limit being set at 30 mph, the driver, Henri Paul, allegedly disregarded the regulations, driving at higher speeds throughout the city.
Tragically, the vehicle crashed into a concrete pillar inside a road tunnel, known as pont de l’Alma, at a staggering speed of 70 mph.
Both Paul and Fayed were pronounced dead at the crash site.
However, Diana valiantly clung to life when paramedics arrived.
She was swiftly transported to Petit-Salpêtre Hospital, where initial reports indicated that she suffered a concussion, a broken arm, and a deep cut on her thigh.
Subsequent autopsy findings unveiled that she also sustained severe chest injuries from the accident.
Medical professionals worked ardently to save her life, performing a two-hour operation.
Sadly, their efforts proved futile, as Diana’s heart failed to resuscitate and beat again.
She never regained consciousness.
At 4:53 am on August 31st, 1997, Diana was officially declared dead due to internal injuries.
The news reverberated across the globe, leaving an indelible mark.
Fédérique Malliez, an emergency medical technician who witnessed the accident and responded to the scene, recounted that Diana regained consciousness in agony from her injuries.
Sergeant Xavier Goulmelot, the leading police responder, shared Diana’s last words.
Inquiring about the situation, she turned her head and caught sight of Dodi’s lifeless body.
Overwhelmed with distress, she closed her eyes.