Argenteuil – 06/17/2026: Eight years after the tragic death of her four-year-old son Ismaïl in an elevator accident at the Côté Seine shopping center in Argenteuil, the trial against two companies and a technician begins on June 17, 2026. Ismaïl died on June 8, 2018, in an elevator at the shopping center when the cabin suddenly plunged while he was exiting. His mother, Chahra-Zad Bennabti, witnessed this devastating incident.
In the years following the accident, several expert reports were conducted, indicating serious deficiencies in the maintenance and repair of the elevator. An investigation found that a hydraulic hose was incorrectly connected during a repair in 2015, which led to the sudden drop of the cabin. It was also determined that a suitable anti-drift system, which could have prevented the free fall of the cabin, was missing.
The companies TK Elevator (formerly ThyssenKrupp) and Bagneux Hydraulique, as well as a technician from Bagneux Hydraulique, are now charged with negligent homicide. The trial at the criminal court of Pontoise will take place on June 17 and 18, 2026. Chahra-Zad Bennabti hopes for a “strong conviction” and emphasizes that this concerns the death of a child caused by negligence.
The family of Ismaïl had already filed a lawsuit in 2018 for negligent homicide and endangering the lives of others against the elevator manufacturer, the maintenance company, and the director of the shopping center. Despite the lengthy wait for the trial, the family remains determined to fight for justice and hold those responsible accountable.
This case has not only shaken the Bennabti family but also raised questions about elevator safety in public buildings. The expert findings and the forthcoming trial could have far-reaching effects on safety standards and the liability of companies in the field of elevator maintenance.
Ismaïl’s mother, Chahra-Zad Bennabti, has also founded the “ADVA” (Association for the Defense of Elevator Accident Victims) to support other families in similar situations and to raise awareness about safety issues in the elevator sector.
The outcome of this trial will be significant not only for the Bennabti family but may also set a precedent for future elevator accident cases and reignite discussions about the responsibility of companies concerning public safety.
The public and affected families hope for a fair verdict that honors the victims of elevator accidents and contributes to the improvement of safety standards.