Overview
- The collisions began around 8:45 a.m. between Dolus‑d’Oléron and Saint‑Pierre‑d’Oléron, where a single car struck people over several kilometres.
- Officials report ten victims, including four in critical condition, with several evacuated by helicopter to regional hospitals such as the CHU in Poitiers.
- A 35‑year‑old local resident was arrested after attempting to set his car on fire; he shouted “Allah Akbar,” and gendarmes used a Taser to subdue him.
- The inquiry is led by gendarmerie investigators from the Poitiers research section for attempted murders, PNAT is not seized, and the motive is still being assessed.
- Authorities say the suspect is known for common‑law offenses and not listed in the national radicalization file, and local crisis cells have been activated as the interior minister travels to the site.