Christmas markets across Europe heightened their security measures over the weekend after reports of a man driving his vehicle into the crowd at a market in Sainte-Anne in the French overseas territory of Guadeloupe on Friday night.
While initial reports spoke of ten dead and nine more injured—an inaccuracy that spread across social media and was picked up by international media—Guadeloupe authorities initially reported three victims in critical condition and sixteen others seriously but stably injured. Officials later confirmed that none of the injuries are considered life-threatening at this stage.
The driver, a man in his forties, stayed at the scene and was arrested shortly after the impact. He tested positive for alcohol and cannabis and will remain in police custody until he is brought before a judge. Prosecutors say he will face charges of causing road injuries with aggravating circumstances, and further charges may follow depending on the victims’ recovery.
The incident, which authorities said was not a deliberate attack, still echoes past terror attacks using vehicles—such as the 2024 attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, which killed five and injured over 200.
