A truck ploughed into a crowd in the French resort of Nice, killing at least 80 in what President Francois Hollande today called a “terrorist” attack on revellers watching a Bastille Day fireworks display.
The driver was shot dead after barrelling the truck two kilometres through the festive crowd on the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais, sending hundreds fleeing in terror and leaving the area strewn with bodies.
On Twitter political leaders across the world condemned the attack:
“Every American stands in strong solidarity with the people of France” —Hillary on the attack in Nice pic.twitter.com/BBGgHucSE0
— Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) July 15, 2016
Tragic paradox that the subject of #NiceAttack was the people celebrating liberty, equality and fraternity
— Donald Tusk (@eucopresident) July 14, 2016
Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 15, 2016
My prayers and condolences to the victims and families of the terrible tragedy in Nice, France. We are with you in every way!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 15, 2016
Well known Indian Twitterati also expressed their condolences:
Sad 2 wake up 2 the news of the #NiceAttack! Heartbreaking!Was there last yr,beautiful place & people. Prayers 4 the families of the victims
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) July 15, 2016
With every terror attack, the divide widens; liberals can fight bigotry, can’t fight the gun and mindless violence.. #NiceAttack
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) July 15, 2016
Some were extremely devastated and hearbroken by this tragic incident
I see human but I can not see humanity.#Nice #NiceAttack pic.twitter.com/0Z2OkmugJa
— Ahmad Batebi (@batebiahmad) July 15, 2016
My sister is in the hospital she was just going see fireworks and I don’t know if she will survive..Pray for her please😭😭😭🙏❤ #NiceAttack
— Fan_page_Madilyn.♥ (@page_madilyn) July 14, 2016
This savage mowed down children. If you’re not trembling with rage right now, you might not be human. #NiceAttack
— Stephe96 (@Stephe96) July 15, 2016
Some tweeted about the generosity of taxi drivers in Nice
Taxi drivers are driving for free tonight to evacuate as many people as possible. #NiceAttack #France https://t.co/Lb4gOqyZJW
— Brenda StoterBoscolo (@BrendaStoter) July 14, 2016
Meanwhile, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson tweeted saying no Indians were harmed in the attack.
#NiceAttack Our Ambassador in Paris is in touch with the Indian community in Nice. So far no report of any Indians affected
— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) July 15, 2016
