Daijiworld Media Network - Guadeloupe

Guadeloupe, Dec 6: A festive gathering in Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe, turned devastating when a vehicle crashed into a group preparing for Christmas celebrations, leaving at least 19 victims, including 10 fatalities.

According to Radio Caraibes Internationale Guadeloupe, three of the injured remain in critical condition. The collision occurred at Schoelcher Square—situated across from the town hall and the church—where the community had been gearing up for holiday festivities.

The circumstances behind the incident remain uncertain, and authorities have opened an investigation. Witnesses told RCI that the driver may have suffered a medical episode while operating the vehicle, though officials have not confirmed this possibility. The driver reportedly remained at the scene following the crash.

Emergency services, including firefighters, paramedics, and police, responded swiftly. Sainte-Anne’s mayor also arrived shortly after and activated a crisis team to assist victims and their families as the community grapples with the traumatic event.

The tragedy echoes a similar incident last year in Magdeburg, Germany, when a vehicle drove through a crowded Christmas market days before the holiday, killing two people and injuring 68. German officials identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who had arrived in the country in 2006. Victims of that attack suffered varying degrees of injury, with 15 critically hurt, 37 moderately injured, and 16 sustaining minor wounds.

As investigations continue in Guadeloupe, authorities are working to determine what led to the heartbreaking event and to provide support for those affected.