Five individuals sustained injuries following a collision with a vehicle in France early on Wednesday. The driver, a 35-year-old French citizen, then tried to ignite the car, as reported by French media. At the time of the arrest, he reportedly exclaimed “Allahu Akbar” (translated as “God is greatest”). Among those struck, a 22-year-old woman and a 69-year-old cyclist are currently in critical condition, according to local sources.
Despite initial speculation, authorities do not view the incident as a terrorist act, citing the driver’s “psychiatric problems,” according to the public prosecutor. The individual, with a history of drug and alcohol-related offenses, was identified by the Mayor of Saint-Pierre-d’Oléron.
The driver was not flagged in any anti-terrorism databases, as confirmed by investigators. While the suspect’s actions included shouting “Allahu Akbar,” typically associated with extremist groups like ISIS and Al Qaeda, the incident is being treated as an attempted murder case.
Political figures expressed solidarity with the victims and their families. The Interior Minister visited the scene to offer support and commend law enforcement for their swift response. The attacker, described as an unemployed local resident living alone, had a record of minor offenses linked to substance abuse.
The picturesque Ile d’Oléron, a popular tourist destination, witnessed the unfortunate event involving pedestrians and cyclists. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, where the arrested driver attempted to set his vehicle ablaze. The investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
Photographs of the burnt car and emergency responders at the location have been released. The incident sparked discussions on defining extremism and ensuring justice for the victims. With critical injuries reported, the community is rallying support for those affected by the tragic event on Oléron Island.