France: Truck ploughs into Nice crowd, 84 killed, driver identified as Franco-Tunisian man

The French were celebrating Bastille Day, when the incident took place in the fifth most populous city of France on is south east coast  on the Mediterranean Sea.

 Witnesses said that a white lorry drove over a crowd, who had gathered to see the fireworks as part of the celebrations.

The driver has been identified as a 31-year-old man of French-Tunisian descent while France has declared three days of mourning.

BBC quoted a witness as saying, "I was opposite the Palais de la Mediterranee when I saw a lorry at high speed running over people. I saw it with my own eyes, people tried to stop it."

Police shot the attacker dead, but the man retaliated with a pistol before he went down.

Victims of the attack, deemed to be the second worst since the Paris attack last year, were mostly residents of Nice and tourists, people who were out on the streets to witness the grand celebrations.

Post the attack, French president Francoise Hollande extended the state of emergency and also chaired an inter-ministerial crisis meeting along with the French Prime Minister.

Hollande acknowledge the fact that France was under attack once again.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls has declared three days of national mourning starting from Saturday.

The attack was widely criticised by world leaders and celebrities alike.

Condemning the attack, US President Barack Obama said, "I condemn in the strongest terms what appears to be a horrific terrorist attack in Nice, France, which killed and wounded dozens of innocent civilians. I have directed my team to be in touch with French officials, and we have offered any assistance that they may need to investigate this attack and bring those responsible to justice. 

"We stand in solidarity and partnership with France, our oldest ally, as they respond to and recover from this attack."

President of India Pranab Mukherjee too had some stern words for the attacker. In a series of tweets, President Mukherjee conveyed his homage.

"I am shocked to hear about the terrorist attack on an innocent crowd of people gathered to celebrate the Bastille Day in Nice, France. I strongly condemn the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in France. India stands shoulder to shoulder with the people and Government of France as it responds to this attack," he said.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he is appalled by the incident.

"Appalled by the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn such mindless acts of violence. My thoughts are with the families of deceased. I hope the injured recover soon. India shares the pain & stands firmly with our French sisters & brothers in this hour of immense sadness," PM Modi's official Twitter account read.

Condemning the attack, Presumptive Republican Nominee for the upcoming US Presidential elections, Donald J Trump tweeted, "Another horrific attack, this time in Nice, France. Many dead and injured. When will we learn? It is only getting worse."

Trump also postponed his upcoming press conference, scheduled for Friday.

"In light of the horrible attack in Nice, France, I have postponed tomorrow's news conference concerning my Vice Presidential announcement," he said.

"My prayers and condolences to the victims and families of the terrible tragedy in Nice, France. We are with you in every way!" Trump added.
 
Indian Finance Minister, Arun jaitley said, "I condemn the gruesome killing of people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France. My prayers are with injured & the bereaved families."

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi said, "My heart goes out to the people of France as they mourn those who lost their lives in the horrific attack in Nice. I strongly condemn the attack. Our only hope for peace, progress & happiness is a shared humanity.Violence & terror can never be the answer."