Panic in France as car smashes into people in horror incident on island

A car driver plowed into several people in France on Wednesday morning, sparking fears of a terror attack. The incident happened at around 8.45am between two villages on the Île d'Oléron, an island of the west coast of France.

Ten people were seriously injured, with two rushed to hospital and reported to be in a critical condition. Eye witnesses claim the driver shouted "Allahu Akbar" before driving in to the people. However this remains to be confirmed and investigators are also exploring the possibility the driver was suffering from mental health issues.

Police swopped quickly to apprehend the driver, who was arrested as he attempted to set fire to his car.

The media publication Le Parisien claims the suspect is a French national and is not listed as a terrorist suspect in any official data bases.

Gas cylinders were found in his car and he was taken to Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron police station for questioning.

The horrifying events unfolded as people were making their way to work in the morning rush hour.

The suspect drove his car into several people as he made his way between the villages of Dolus-d'Oléron and Saint-Pierre-d'Oléron.

The victims included pedestrians and cyclists, with several airlifted to the University Hospital of Poitiers. A psychological support unit has also been set up at the Château d'Oléron.

France's Minister of the Interior said he would visit the scene of the incident in a post to his X social media.

Laurent Nuñez wrote: "This morning, a motorist struck several pedestrians and cyclists on his route in Saint Pierre d´Oléron and Dolus d'Oléron.

"Two victims are in absolute emergency and 3 other people are injured. The suspect has been taken into custody by the gendarmes.

"An investigation has been opened. At the request of the Prime Minister, I am heading to the scene."