Car Plows into Christmas Eve Crowd in Guadeloupe, 10 Dead, Several Injured – Accident or Attack?

Paris/Guadeloupe: Tragedy struck during Christmas celebrations in the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe, as a car rammed into a crowd in Sainte-Anne, turning festive cheer into mourning. At least 10 people have died, and around 10 others are injured, with three in critical condition.

The incident occurred at Shoelcher Square, near the town hall and local church, where residents had gathered for Christmas preparations. Authorities are yet to confirm whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate attack.

Witnesses told Radio Caribs International (RCI) that the driver may have experienced a medical emergency while driving. However, officials have not yet verified this theory. The driver remains at the scene. Firefighters, paramedics, and police officials have been deployed, and the city mayor has activated a crisis team to assist the victims and coordinate relief efforts.

A Grim Reminder
This tragic event echoes a similar incident in Germany last year. Just days before Christmas, a car drove into a crowded outdoor Christmas market in Magdeburg, Eastern Germany, resulting in multiple deaths and at least 68 injuries. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who had first arrived in Germany in 2006, was arrested. In that incident, 15 people were severely injured, 37 suffered moderate injuries, and 16 had minor injuries.

Authorities in Guadeloupe continue to investigate the incident, determining whether it was an unfortunate accident or a targeted act, as the community reels from the shocking loss of life during a time of celebration.