Here’s Paddy Kilmurray with an NBN News update.
A day of French pride is now one of terror, panic and tragedy – dozens of people have been killed, as a truck ploughed into revellers celebrating Bastille Day, in the coastal town of Nice.
The truck, travelling at 100 kilometres an hour, smashed into the crowds, who had gathered to watch fireworks at the city’s promenade. 77 people are confirmed dead and hundreds more are injured – 15 critically.
One Australian – a tourist onboard a Top Deck cruise bus – has been injured.
The driver of the truck has been shot dead. The Mayor of Nice says the attack is the work of terrorists, but no group has yet claimed responsibility.
A large amount of guns and ammunition was found inside the truck. Authorities have also found identity papers belonging to a 31-year-old French-Tunisian citizen in the truck.
Videos and photos posted on social media show dozens of bodies strewn on the ground and scenes of mass panic as people fled the area.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is making “urgent enquiries” into whether any Australians are hurt or killed. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has telephoned the Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who is in France for Bastille Day celebrations, and Australia’s ambassador Stephen Brady to get briefings on the latest developments.
Stayed tuned to NBN News throughout the day for further updates.
