As many as 80 people have died in the French city of Nice after a truck ran into a crowd celebrating the French national holiday, Bastille Day. French Police have called the incident a deliberate attack, with many more injured.
The attack occurred on a seaside walk in the center of the iconic French city. According to those at the scene, a truck drove straight towards the crowd at a speed of about 60-70km per hour. Upon impact with the crowd, a gunfire exchange was initiated between the attacker and police. During this exchange, the driver was reportedly shot and killed.
Recent figures put the injuries at approximately 100.
Wassim Bouhlel, an inhabitant of Nice, told Associated Press that "There was carnage on the road ... Bodies everywhere."
According to some, the truck drove up to 2 kilometers into the crowd, attempting to hit revelers as it went. The gun fire battle began when it came to a stop.
Dutch media reports that the Islamic State has taken responsibility for the incident. The extremist group has increased the frequency of its terror attacks as it loses large tracts of territory in Syria and Iraq. Firearms and hand grenades were allegedly found inside the truck, indicating that the attack was well planned and funded.
The French President, Francois Hollande, is presently returning to Paris from a visit to Avignon, in order to chair a crisis meeting.
More details to come.
Hugh McFarlane