Nice Attack Update: At Least 84 Killed — Rihanna, 'Fifty Shades' Cast Confirmed Safe
Jul. 15 2016, Updated 11:20 a.m. ET
At least 84 people have died, including children, after a truck plowed through hundreds of people celebrating Bastille Day in Nice, France, on Thursday, BBC News confirms.
Thursday night's joyful celebrations quickly took a turn for the terrifying.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
According to reports, a truck driver came tearing through 1.2 miles of Promenade des Anglais, swerving in an apparent attempt to hit as many people as possible.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
Police were able to shoot the killer, discovering guns and grenades inside his truck after the deadly attack.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
"Horror again here in France. 77 victims including several children and around 20 wounded are in intensive care. This is an act of which a terrorist attack cannot be ignored and this is an absolute horror." French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve announced, later confirming that the death toll had reached 84, with 18 in critical condition.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
"France as a whole is under the threat of Islamist terrorism and so in the circumstances, we have to demonstrate absolute vigilant and show determination that is unfailing," he added, confirming the driver's death.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
According to NBC News, the truck barreled into a crowd watching a fireworks display.
Bastille Day Truck Attack Kills 84 In Nice
"It sounded like an attack in Beirut, not fireworks," one witness, Lucy Nesbitt-Comaskey, told Sky News. "All of a sudden people were screaming in the street and running and we were just sitting there, everybody came into our restaurant. Owners of the restaurant were screaming 'get in get in.' Everybody was screaming, a lady she collapsed on the floor, she fainted, we were in shock."
"White truck literally racing through crowds of all ages. People either caught in path or forced to jump onto rocks over beach barrier," another eyewitness told NBC through Twitter. "Some dead. Horrific."
Now, as police continue their investigation on the attack, the nearby area has shut down.
"Following the suspected Terror attack in Nice this evening Le Meridian Nice is on lockdown and we have activated out emergency plans," local business Starwood Hotels said in a statement. "We can confirm that the hotel is currently reported safe and that there is no hostage situation. Hotel teams are working hard to look after our guests and associates at this time."
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson film 50 Shades of Grey in St Jean Cap Ferrat, France.
Meanwhile, the cast of Fifty Shades Darker, who have been filming in Nice, were confirmed safe.
Rihanna was also in Nice on Thursday. Her rep has confirmed that she is safe as well. Though the singer was scheduled to perform on Friday, she canceled her concert in the wake of the tragedy.