Two people were killed and nine others injured when a driver intentionally rammed a vehicle into a group of pedestrians in Caen, northern France, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred late on Wednesday evening and is currently not being treated as an act of terrorism.
Calvados prefect David Clavière stated that the driver deliberately drove into the crowd, prompting a swift police response. The suspect, who was born in Russia, was taken into custody shortly after the attack. Officials have said the situation appears to have stemmed from a personal dispute rather than a broader political motive.
Aristide Olivier, the mayor of Caen, described the event as the result of "a fight that turned bad," suggesting the attack was linked to a confrontation rather than an indiscriminate act of violence. An investigation led by local authorities is ongoing to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, providing medical assistance to the nine individuals injured. Officials have not released further details regarding the condition of the survivors. The city of Caen remains on alert as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
