Topdeck confirms passengers safe in Bastille Day attack in France

Topdeck has advised Travel Weekly that all passengers currently in France on their tours are safe and accounted for after a truck ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day in the city of Nice.

Topdeck Travel global general manager, Sarah Clark, told Travel Weekly “we are extremely saddened at the tragic event which has unfolded in Nice this morning and our thoughts are with those who have been affected.”

“As of 02.30 local time, all of our customers are safe and accounted for. Unfortunately one of our customers has reported some minor injuries. They are with Topdeck staff and are currently being tended to in hospital. Our family liaison team has been in direct contact with the injured customer’s family and we are ensuring the best care possible.”

“The safety and well-being of our customers is our highest priority and we are liaising with local authorities for more information. We will continue to keep everyone updated as we receive more details.”

Our dedicated team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates to travellers. Customers can refer to our news page (www.topdeck.travel/news) or contact one of our customer service advisors on +44 20 8987 3305 (outside the UK), or 0845 257 5212 (inside the UK), or on +61 7 3041 8100 (outside Australia) or 1300 886 332 (inside Australia).

The city’s mayor said dozens had been killed in what he has labelled a terrorist attack, with local media is reporting up to 77 fatalities.

The incident happened during a fireworks display for the national celebration when the huge truck rammed into the crowd celebrating on the French Riviera.

Mown down bodies remain strewn on the streets and the scene has been described as “apocalyptic”.

A man who witnessed the attack told CNN he saw the driver accelerate and aim for people as the vehicle slammed the crowd.

Reports have emmerged that truck was packed with weapons and grenades.

The death toll has been climbing since the attack began about two hours ago. A spokesman for France’s Interior Ministry said “it’s going to be a very high toll”. The driver is among the dead.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working to determine whether any Australians have been caught up in an apparent terror attack in Nice, France.

A statement given by DFAT urges people to attempt to contact those who people fear may have been nearby.

“The Australian Embassy in Paris is making urgent enquiries to determine whether any Australians have been affected by the incident at the Bastille Day celebration in Nice, France. If you have any concerns for the welfare of family and friends in the region you should attempt to contact them directly. If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare you should call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 or +61 2 6261 3305 if calling from overseas,” the statement read.

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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