Five individuals sustained injuries when a driver crashed into a crowd in France during the morning hours of Wednesday. The driver, a 35-year-old French national, reportedly tried to set the vehicle on fire after the incident and shouted “Allahu Akbar” upon his arrest, as confirmed by the public prosecutor for La Rochelle.
Among those struck by the vehicle were a 22-year-old woman and a 69-year-old cyclist, who are currently in critical condition according to local sources. Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, attributing the driver’s actions to psychiatric problems.
Following the incident, various political figures issued statements condemning the attack and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. The driver, known for previous criminal incidents related to substance abuse, was not flagged in anti-terrorism databases.
Despite the driver’s utterance of “Allahu Akbar,” officials have not involved anti-terror judges in the case, opting for a criminal investigation on charges of attempted murder. The incident sparked debates and calls for clarity on defining terrorism and extremism.
The injured individuals, aged between 22 and 67, hailed from Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron and Dolus-d’Oléron. The picturesque Ile d’Oléron, a popular tourist destination, witnessed the tragic event that led to emergency response efforts and hospitalizations of the most severely injured victims.
The driver, described as a local man with a history of substance abuse and mental health issues, was promptly apprehended at the scene. The incident raised concerns and triggered responses from government officials and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and justice to prevail.