Tragic Attack at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides in Nantes
One student was killed and at least three others were injured in a shocking stabbing attack on Thursday afternoon at Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, a private school in the western French city of Nantes. The suspect, reportedly another student, was swiftly arrested at the scene after being restrained by a teacher, according to French media outlets.
Eyewitness Panic and Rapid Response
Witnesses described scenes of chaos and fear as students ran through the school premises and locked themselves in classrooms. An alarm was triggered around lunchtime, prompting emergency protocols. Police and emergency responders quickly arrived, alongside army officers, to secure the premises. The school, which houses approximately 2,000 students ranging from nursery to high school, was fully evacuated by mid-afternoon.
Rue des Épinettes, the street where the school is located in eastern Nantes, was cordoned off by authorities, and a large police presence remained visible throughout the day.
Families and Officials React
Families were immediately alerted about the incident and reassured that students were held securely within the building. Authorities began gradually escorting students out starting at 15:30 local time (13:30 GMT), as concerned parents waited nearby. One father told Reuters, “We are just waiting to hold them in our arms and help deal with the stress this will have caused.”
National Leaders Address the Tragedy
France’s education minister Élisabeth Borne, interior minister, and the regional president of Pays de la Loire were set to visit the site. On social media, Borne expressed solidarity with the victims, while Christelle Morançais, the regional president, called the incident “devastating.” Johanna Rolland, the mayor of Nantes, said her heart was “filled with emotion at the atrocious tragedy” and confirmed her presence at the school since early afternoon.
Legal Proceedings to Follow
Nantes public prosecutor Antoine Leroy visited the school and is expected to hold a press conference in the evening to provide further details on the investigation and legal follow-up.
Safety in Focus
This horrific event has once again raised serious concerns about student safety and the security protocols in French schools. While authorities have not yet disclosed the motives behind the attack, the swift response and community support have highlighted both the vulnerability and resilience of educational institutions in times of crisis.
Category: World News, Crime, Education
Tags: France stabbing, Nantes attack, Notre-Dame-de-Toutes-Aides, school violence, French police, education safety, student death, French news, crime in schools, emergency response
