A driver deliberately plowed into pedestrians and cyclists on Wednesday between two neighboring towns on Île d’Oléron, a quiet French island popular with tourists on the Atlantic coast, injuring nine people before he was arrested, authorities said. Two of the injured were in critical condition, said Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. He said an investigation was underway to determine the facts.
“We are extremely shocked,” said Dolus-d’Oléron mayor Thibault Brechkoff on BFM-TV. “All municipal services are fully mobilized. Two helicopters went to the scene to transport those who were most seriously injured to Poitiers.” Brechkoff said he himself called the mother of one of the injured victims. “You are never prepared to announce news like this,” he said.
Christophe Sueur, the mayor of nearby Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron, said the front of the car used by the suspect was “completely destroyed.” He said it appeared the driver aimed to reach as many people as possible and “was fully aware of what he was doing.” He said the man was known locally for minor offences, with no indication of radicalisation.
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The incidents occurred along roadside areas between the two cities, with the first calls being made at around 9am (local time), according to French media. Local reports identified the suspect as a 35-year-old French national residing in La Cotinière, a small fishing village on the west coast of Île d’Oléron. (With information from the Associated Press)
