Medical staff and firemen try to rescue the groundskeeper at Lorient's stadium
Medical staff and firemen try to rescue the groundskeeper at Lorient's stadium Image Credit: AFP

A groundskeeper at the stadium of French Liguen 1 side Lorient died on Sunday after lighting equipment fell on him following a game, the club said.

The accident occurred shortly after Rennes beat Lorient 3-0 at Stade du Moustoir in northwest France.

The light therapy equipment is used to heat the pitch and is wheeled on and off the field between games.

The city’s mayor, Fabrice Loher, said police had begun an investigation into how the accident occurred, according to the daily Ouest France.

Several Lorient players were reportedly still on the sidelines when the accident took place in one of the penalty areas. Emergency personnel treated him on the field. He died at an area hospital, media reports said.

On Monday morning, Lorient players, staff and employees held a moment of silence for the victim at their training complex.