A peaceful morning on one of France’s most popular holiday islands turned into a nightmare when a man allegedly drove his car into a group of pedestrians and cyclists, leaving several people critically injured.
The shocking incident unfolded on the picturesque island of Oléron, located off the country’s western coast.
Terrifying Attack on the Island of Oléron
According to French officials, the 35-year-old driver intentionally swerved into walkers and cyclists around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday, appearing to target anyone in his path.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as the car struck multiple people across several miles between the villages of Dolus-d’Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
After the horrifying ramming spree, the suspect reportedly tried to set his car on fire using gas canisters before police subdued him with a taser and arrested him at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that at least ten people were injured, four of whom are fighting for their lives.
Witnesses Describe Panic and Horror
Thibault Brechkoff, the mayor of Dolus-d’Oléron, told local broadcaster BFMTV that the man shouted “Allahu Akbar” — Arabic for “God is the Greatest” — before accelerating toward his victims.
Brechkoff said the driver appeared to be “trying to hit everyone he could.”
One witness, local resident Isabelle Romain, recalled seeing a woman lying motionless on the ground.
“She was on her stomach, not moving, and in an unnatural position.
I thought she was dead,” she said.
The woman, who reportedly comes from a well-known family, was later airlifted to a hospital after showing signs of life.
Victims Include Parliamentary Assistant
Among the injured is said to be the parliamentary assistant of French lawmaker Pascal Markowsky.
Victims range in age from 22 to 67, and many are believed to be residents of the island.
Emergency services rushed to several different scenes after reports emerged of multiple collisions along the island’s main routes.
Traffic alerts indicated that the first crash occurred near an Intermarché supermarket in Dolus-d’Oléron, followed by another on Route du Treuil, where a cyclist was also struck.
Suspect Known to Police but Not on Radicalisation Watchlist
Authorities identified the suspect as a French national in his thirties who lives in La Cotinière, a coastal village on the island.
Local officials said he was already known to police for repeated offences linked to drug and alcohol abuse.
However, he is reportedly not listed in France’s database of individuals suspected of radicalisation.
Investigators have yet to confirm whether the attack was motivated by terrorism or mental illness.
Attempted Murder Investigation Underway
The public prosecutor in La Rochelle, Arnaud Laraize, confirmed that a formal investigation for attempted murder has been opened.
For now, France’s anti-terrorism prosecutors are not leading the case, though officials said the situation remains under review.
The driver has been taken into custody and transferred to a secure police station on the mainland for questioning.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez announced that he would personally visit the scene and confirmed that a crisis unit had been activated to support the victims and their families.
Nation Awaits Answers
The island, usually bustling with tourists and locals enjoying seaside life, is now in shock.
President Emmanuel Macron and French security officials are being kept informed as the investigation unfolds.
For now, authorities are piecing together what drove the suspect to carry out such a violent and deliberate act — one that has shattered the calm of Oléron and left the nation once again grappling with fears of random violence.