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80+ Killed in Nice Terror Attack During Bastille Day Celebrations

July 14, 2016
Photograph via CNN
Photograph via CNN

At least 80 people have been killed and more than 100 injured after a truck plowed into a crowd celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France.

According to authorities, 80 people are thought to have been killed, with the death toll quickly rising.

The attack has seen an announcement by the French President that a state of emergency would be extended by three months.

“All of France is under the threat of Islamic terrorism,” said the French President, implying the attack was perpetrated by extremists.

According to the Interior Ministry, the attack was carried out by a 31-year-old man who was previously known to police. The man was later identified as Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhel, who lived locally and reportedly has Tunisian roots.

Photo: Reuters
Photo: Reuters

Christian Estrosi, the President of the region, said the truck was loaded with weapons and grenades. Estrosi and other officials added that many children were killed in the attack.

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Prosecutors say the truck drove for 2 kilometers, reported AFP.

France’s President Francois Hollande, who was in Avignon, returned to Paris for crisis talks. 

Photographs from the scene show the truck littered with bullets. Other videos show people running through the streets  and bodies laying on the ground.

The truck attack occurred on the renowned Promenade des Anglais shortly after a fireworks display that hundreds had gathered for to celebrate Bastille Day.

Hours after the attack, world leaders sent messages of condolences to the French people. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi also released a statement condemning “in the strongest term” the terror attack, adding that a comprehensive strategy is needed to counter terrorism.

The Egyptian President expressed full confidence that such terror attacks will not weaken “the resolve of countries and peace-loving people” but will instead “enhance their determination to combat and defeat terrorism”.

France has been on high alert following the November 2015 Paris attacks that left 130 people dead and hundreds injured.

This story is developing.

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