17:I[87134,["/_next/static/chunks/abf43a076ddbd945.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/5ac73fe2b25fc6c9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/92bdbfeca3f655f7.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/733be0453bf96ece.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/27718c319dd13e9b.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/34c922b381f458e9.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA","/_next/static/chunks/c85eefbddd563073.js?dpl=dpl_F6KiLDDFSAiMcLzw3V2cQMgAbhkA"],"default"] 18:T557,

In the French Atlantic resort of Mimizan, a pétanque player aged 68 has passed away following an alleged strike to the head with a metal boule amid a quarrel with competitors.

The incident reportedly occurred after tensions arose between a regular beach team and another group that plays in the town center.

Witnesses informed local outlets that the disagreement began when the beach players sought to join the town game for shade amid a heatwave.

Authorities have taken an 81-year-old into custody, as stated by the Mont-de-Marsan prosecutor's office.

Public prosecutor Alexa Dubourg informed the Sud Ouest newspaper that evidence points to the 81-year-old man striking the now-deceased victim with a pétanque boule.

She described the event as an argument that escalated into physical confrontation.

Further probes aim to clarify the involvement of all individuals present at the boulodrome on June 17, she noted.

Pétanque is a traditional French pastime where players toss hollow steel balls toward a small wooden target ball.

According to local radio Ici Gascogne, the victim did not succumb instantly but collapsed shortly afterward due to a heart attack.

A resident shared with AFP that a significant rivalry exists between beach and town pétanque players, though the intensity came as a surprise.