Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe: At least 10 people were killed and several others injured after a car rammed into a crowd gathered for Christmas event preparations in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe on Friday. The horrific crash occurred near Schoelcher Square, directly opposite the town hall and the local church, triggering immediate chaos and panic among families and children present.
According to local officials, the tragedy has left 19 victims in total, with three in serious condition, as confirmed by Radio Caraïbes Internationale Guadeloupe (RCI). Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics and police, rushed to the scene within minutes as the scale of devastation became clear.
Authorities said the driver remained at the scene, and while the cause of the incident has not been formally established, initial eyewitness accounts suggest the motorist may have suffered a medical issue before losing control of the vehicle. Investigators are now working to verify these claims.
The mayor of Sainte-Anne activated a crisis-management unit soon after the incident to coordinate assistance for victims and their families. Rescue workers continued operations late into the evening, treating the injured and helping shocked bystanders to safety.
Images and descriptions emerging from the scene depict a festive gathering suddenly turned into catastrophe, with families still reeling as officials piece together what transpired. Local authorities have appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds.
More updates are expected as officials release further details on the victims, the driver’s medical condition, and preliminary findings from the inquiry.
