Car Attack on French Island Leaves Two Critically Injured

Vehicle Ramming Incident on Île d'Oléron

A 35-year-old man deliberately drove his car into pedestrians and cyclists on the French island of Île d'Oléron on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, leaving ten people injured including two in critical condition. The attack occurred along the main road connecting Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre d'Oléron, a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and cycling routes.

Attack Details and Arrest

The suspect, a local resident of the island, carried out what authorities describe as a 35-minute rampage targeting multiple victims. According to French Interior Minister Nunez, 'Five people were deliberately hit during this 35-minute journey'. One of the critically injured victims is a 22-year-old woman, while details about the other seriously wounded individual have not been released.

Police apprehended the driver after he resisted arrest and attempted to set his vehicle on fire. Officers were forced to use a taser to subdue him. During his arrest, witnesses reported the man shouted 'Allahu Akbar' (God is greatest in Arabic), according to official statements.

Investigation and Suspect Background

The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though authorities are investigating all possibilities. The suspect is known to local police for previous offenses including theft, drug and alcohol abuse, and driving under the influence. The mayor of the area told Le Parisien that 'He is known for numerous violations, particularly due to his regular drug and alcohol use'.

Despite the religious phrase shouted during the arrest, authorities have indicated the man was not previously known to intelligence services as being radicalized. The national anti-terror prosecutor's office is monitoring the case, though no terrorism charges have been filed yet. The suspect has been arrested for attempted murder.

Location and Response

Île d'Oléron is France's second largest island after Corsica, located off the Atlantic coast near La Rochelle. The island, with approximately 22,000 permanent residents, is a popular tourist destination known for its oyster production and sunny climate. The attack occurred during the off-season when the island is less crowded with tourists.

Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with some of the more seriously injured victims being evacuated by helicopter to hospitals in Poitiers on the mainland. Local authorities have increased security measures on the island while the investigation continues.

The incident has raised concerns about public safety in tourist destinations and the challenges of dealing with individuals with complex backgrounds who may commit violent acts. As one local resident commented, 'This is normally such a peaceful place - we never expected something like this to happen here'.