At least ten people were injured, two gravely, as a minivan crashed into a Christmas market in Nantes, local media report. The driver attempted to stab himself to death following the crash, a second such incident in the country over the last two days.
Reports on the number of injured are conflicting with Le Figaro suggesting there are 17 casualties, while Focusur.fr reports at least 12 were injured and five are in serious condition.
A 25-year-old man “deliberately” drove the van into the market crowded with families and kids, local media say. After that he attempted to take his life, stabbing himself in the chest several times. A source close to the investigation told AFP that the man was seriously injured but alive. He was taken to hospital.
Witnesses told L’Express the man was shouting “Allahu Akbar”. Now media reports suggest this was a “jihadist attack”, however this has not been confirmed by officials. The attacker, according to police sources, is white and holds a European passport. The market is now closed and the area is cordoned off.