A motorist deliberately struck pedestrians and cyclists on the Atlantic-facing holiday island of Île d’Oléron on Wednesday morning, leaving at least five people injured, two of them seriously. The attack unfolded around 09:00 local time between the villages of Saint‑Pierre‑d’Oléron and Dolus‑d’Oléron, according to interior minister Laurent Nuñez. The driver was arrested after attempting to set his vehicle on fire.
Incident and Response
Officials say the 35-year-old suspect, a French national residing on the island, embarked on a 35-minute spree during which he repeatedly rammed into pedestrians and cyclists along a main route. Emergency services deployed two helicopters to airlift the most severely wounded to mainland hospitals. Witnesses and local authorities say the man was known locally for minor offences, including alcohol and drug-related misconduct, but was not on any national terrorism watch-list.
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When apprehended, the driver reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest), though authorities stressed that the investigation is being conducted under attempted murder statutes rather than terrorism provisions. The vehicle was found partly burned and heavily damaged at the front.
Investigation and Local Impact
Prosecutor Arnaud Laraize confirmed the inquiry has been opened by the La Rochelle prosecutor’s office; the national anti-terrorism prosecutors are not leading the case at this stage. Investigators are exploring possible motives including mental-health issues, substance-abuse history and personal grievances.
Local officials say the quiet island community is in shock. “We are extremely shocked,” said Dolus-d’Oléron mayor Thibault Brechkoff. He described municipal services being fully mobilised and a crisis cell activated. The injured include a 22-year-old woman with multiple traumas, while others are being treated for a range of injuries and psychological shock. Tourism and local residents are bracing for the fallout of what began as a typical autumn morning on the island.
