France Attacked: Terrorist Hit Coastal City of Nice, 80 Dead; Dozens Injured

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Category: World News - Europe

Published on Thursday, 14 July 2016 22:03

Written by Janet Walker

A truck bomb terrorist drove into a large crowd, in the French coastal city of Nice, gathered to watch fireworks celebrating Bastille Day, a national holiday, killing at least 80 and leaving another 50 injured, 18 critically.

Moments after the beautiful display of shimmering sparklers and neon streamers had lite up nighttime sky over the magical coastline, the crowd of nearly 1000 locals and visitors were slowly dispersing when all hell broke loose.

From all reports the truck, a military style transport unit, loaded with grenades and weapons drove on the Promenade de Anglais, the promenade along the seaside, for more than 300 feet at nearly 30mph before mowing down a large group that had gathered watching the pyrotechnics show.

Survivors reported shots fired from the driver into the stunned and stricken crowd and pictures circulating social media indicate the driver was killed by French police in an exchange of gunfire.

The carnage was everywhere. It has also been reported the driver sped up on impact sending bodies flying, killing as many as possible.

Survivors ran from the scene in terror. In the mass chaos, without information, those close to the scene had no idea if the driver was acting along.

With the November 13 Parisian terrorist attacks remaining fresh in the hearts and minds, people ran for cover doing whatever they could to find secure shelter. 

French President Francoise Hollande stated "France is in tears, grieving, but it is strong and will always be stronger than the fanatics who want to attack it today."

President Barack Obama issued this statement "On behalf of the American people, I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and other loved ones of those killed, and we wish a full recovery for the many wounded."

Theresa May, Britain's new Prime Minister, on her first day at 10 Downing Street, stated, "We are shocked and concerned by the scenes there. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration."

Many world leaders issued public statements of solidarity with President Hollande and the French people including Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau, Australia's Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, Chinese Premiere Li Keqiang, New Zealand Prime Minister John Key, Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa and King Felipe VI of Spain.

Image courtesy of Indian Times.

Sources: Various