For nearly three decades, the tragic story of Princess Diana’s fatal car crash in Paris has haunted the world.

Now, Xavier Gourmelon, the firefighter who was one of the first responders that night, has finally broken his silence, sharing a deeply personal account of the events that unfolded in the Pont de l’Alma tunnel on August 31, 1997.

Gourmelon recalls being called to the scene of a devastating accident—a routine part of his job, but one that would prove to be anything but ordinary.

The crash site was chaotic, filled with twisted metal, shattered glass, and the urgent sounds of sirens. At first, Gourmelon had no idea he was tending to royalty. He saw only a severely injured blonde woman who needed help. It was only later, after she was taken to the hospital, that he realized he had been aiding Princess Diana.

Inside the wrecked Mercedes, Gourmelon and his team worked quickly to free the trapped occupants. Diana was alive, though gravely injured. Her breathing was shallow, her face pale with shock and pain.

Amid the noise and confusion, Gourmelon leaned in close and heard Diana’s final words—a faint, bewildered whisper: “My God, what’s happened?” He offered her comfort, urging her to stay calm and still as he administered first aid, including oxygen.

The rescue efforts were frantic, involving not just Gourmelon’s team but also a passing doctor and other emergency workers. Diana’s bodyguard, Trevor Rees-Jones, was badly injured but survived.

Dodi Fayed and driver Henri Paul died at the scene. Gourmelon’s main focus was to save lives, not knowing the magnitude of the tragedy he was part of.

As Diana’s condition deteriorated, Gourmelon and the medical team fought desperately to keep her alive. She suffered a heart attack en route to the hospital, and despite intensive surgery and cardiac massage, she was pronounced dead in the early hours of September 1st.

The news of her death reverberated around the globe, triggering an unprecedented outpouring of grief and tributes.

For Gourmelon, the experience was life-changing. Bound by duty and professional secrecy, he kept silent about the details for years. Only after retiring did he feel able to share his story, revealing how deeply the night affected him.

He describes the emotional toll of witnessing such a high-profile loss, and how the memory of Diana’s final moments remains etched in his mind.

Gourmelon’s account offers a rare, human perspective on an event that has often been discussed in terms of conspiracy and spectacle. His testimony highlights the courage and compassion of first responders, who face extraordinary pressure in moments of crisis.

It also serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life—even for someone as beloved and iconic as Princess Diana.

Today, Gourmelon continues his work in emergency services in Brittany, France, carrying the memories of that night as a constant reminder of the impact of public tragedies on those who serve. His revelations invite us to reflect not only on Diana’s legacy, but also on the unseen heroes who stand at the center of history’s most heartbreaking events.