Dozens of people have been killed and many more were injured after a truck plowed into a crowd in Nice, France during Bastille Day celebrations.
- Truck crashes into crowd at Bastille Day celebration in Nice
- 73 people reported killed
- Fears of terrorism as people flee scene in panic
Mr Estrosi, the president of the region, extended his condolences to the families of the victims, saying: “This is the worst tragedy in the history of Nice with more than 70 victims already.”
Il s'agit du pire drame de l'histoire de Nice car plus de 70 victimes sont déjà à déplorer.
— Christian Estrosi (@cestrosi) July 14, 2016
He says a crisis group has been formed to tackle the situation.
https://twitter.com/cestrosi/status/753727867066998784https://twitter.com/cestrosi/status/753727867066998784
Joel Fenster, a 23-year-old law student from north London who is in Nice for a language course, told The reporters how he and friend ran for cover after hearing gunshots.
“We went to watch the fireworks on the beach and then after we knew there was meant to be a concert so we were walking round to the promenade. It was a perfectly normal night,” he said, speaking from his apartment in Nice.
“Suddenly everyone started running in the opposite direction to us, and ducking down. It seemed like there was someone coming – there was a strong sense that we needed to get away. So we started running away from the beach, inland towards the old town. We heard the gunshots – initially one, then later two more.”
Mr Fenster, a Cambridge University graduate, was in Nice for a one month French language course before starting a job at a law firm in London.
He said: “We ran down a road, everyone was ducking down and going into doorways. We ran into an alleyway and crouched down for about an hour. The whole time it was terrifying but didn’t quite feel real.
“We ran into a restaurant that was open, people were rushing into it from the street. At that point we thought there was a shooter running around. The police came and told the owner to turn the lights off and put the shutters down. Everyone got down on the floor, crouching below tables. There were quite a few young children, they were terrified.”
Mr Fenster said the police came back to the restaurant about half an hour later and told everyone to evacuate the building.
“We were directed to Place Massena. Police were pointing guns and telling people to empty their bags. After that we just ran home to our flat,” he said.
Christian Estrosi, president of the region, says the truck in Nice was loaded with arms and grenades.
Republican candidate Donald Trump has reacted to the tragedy.
“Another horrific attack, this time in Nice, France. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse.”
Another horrific attack, this time in Nice, France. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 14, 2016
He also says he has postponed Friday’s announcement of his VP candidate.
A spokesman for 10 Downing Street said Prime Minister Theresa May was being kept up to date on events in Nice, adding:
“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this terrible incident on what was a day of national celebration.”
The president of the Nice region, Eric Ciotti, is at the scene.
He told France Info radio: “It’s a scene of horror.”
The Nice prosecutor Jean-Michel Prette said bodies are strewn about along the roadway.
The White House says the president has been appraised of the situation in Nice.
