Deliberate Vehicle Attack on Île d'Oléron Leaves Several Critically Injured and Suspect Arrested
A driver deliberately rammed pedestrians and cyclists on Île d'Oléron, injuring nine people and prompting an arrest amid an ongoing investigation.
- • A 35-year-old driver deliberately rammed into pedestrians and cyclists on Île d'Oléron, injuring at least nine people.
- • Four victims are critically injured, including a young girl; one victim is a parliamentary staff member of the National Rally.
- • The suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during his arrest and attempted to set his car on fire; a gas canister was found in the vehicle.
- • French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez arrived at the scene and launched an official inquiry with attempted murder charges being pursued.
Key details
On November 5, 2025, a driver intentionally rammed into pedestrians and cyclists on the French island of Île d'Oléron, resulting in at least nine people being injured, four of them critically. The attack spanned multiple locations between the villages of Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron, culminating outside a bakery.
The suspect, a 35-year-old local man known to police for petty crimes such as drunk driving and exhibiting disorderly conduct, was arrested on the scene. He attempted to set his vehicle on fire and shouted "Allahu Akbar" during his arrest. Authorities discovered a gas canister in the suspect's car after it was set ablaze. Despite these actions, the individual was not on any radicalization watchlist, and the incident has not yet been classified as terrorism.
Among the victims is a parliamentary staff member of the far-right National Rally party. Four people, including a young girl, are in critical condition and have been airlifted to hospitals. Local officials have confirmed the deliberate nature of the attack and have activated crisis units to manage the situation.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez promptly arrived on the island and announced an official inquiry into the incident. Prosecutors are pursuing charges of attempted murder against the suspect, while investigations are ongoing to clarify the motives, including potential mental health or substance abuse factors.
The mayors of Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron expressed shock and called for a strong judicial response. Local eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the car struck multiple victims over a considerable distance.
This attack has sent shockwaves through the community and French politics, with calls for vigilance and justice waiting as authorities continue their investigation.