Car rams into pedestrians and cyclists on Oléron — 10 injured
A motorist drove into pedestrians and cyclists on the Atlantic island of Oléron on Wednesday, injuring 10 people, French authorities said. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the episode unfolded over roughly 35 minutes and that the driver ran over five people during that period.
BFMTV, a broadcaster affiliated with CNN, reported that at least two victims were seriously wounded, including a 22-year-old woman. Several survivors are receiving hospital care; some were to be airlifted to Poitiers on the mainland, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron mayor Christophe Sueur told reporters.
Police arrived quickly and, according to the mayor and BFMTV, apprehended the suspect "with difficulty." The man has been taken into custody and an investigation has been opened. France’s national anti-terror prosecutor’s office is monitoring the case while investigators examine phone records to determine whether the probe should develop into a terrorism investigation.
"Up until now he’s not saying much," Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told journalists at the scene.
Local prosecutors said the suspect shouted "Allahu Akbar" during the incident, but they cautioned that a clear motive has not yet been established. After hitting several people, the driver reportedly exited the vehicle and attempted to set it on fire. Witnesses and the mayor described the car as left with its front heavily damaged.
BFMTV described the suspect as a French, Caucasian man in his 30s who is known to local police for common-law offenses such as theft and driving under the influence. Checks indicate he was not previously known to national intelligence services. Mayor Sueur said the man lives on Oléron and had family on the island; the journey began there.
Authorities continue to question the suspect and collect evidence. Prosecutors and security services are following developments closely as the investigation proceeds.
Note: Reporting drew on statements from Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron Mayor Christophe Sueur, BFMTV and local prosecutors. This account may be updated as officials release more information.
