The explosion in Lyon: an attack. François Hollande calls for not giving in to fear
(BRUSSELS2) For François Hollande, the explosion which occurred this morning (10 am), in an industrial gas plant (Air Products) in the industrial suburbs of southern Lyon, in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, is an attack. And there is no shadow of a doubt. The French president, as soon as the news became known, chose to leave the European summit which, moreover, no longer had a major subject of debate on the table. But before leaving Brussels early, he wanted to make a short statement to journalists to give details of the circumstances of the attack.
A vehicle heading towards a Seveso factory, 1 or 2 perpetrators.
« This attack is a vehicle driven by a person, perhaps accompanied by another, (who) at high speed is projected against a Seveso-classified establishment. The intention is not in doubt, it is to cause an explosion. The attack is of a terrorist nature, since a corpse was found with inscriptions. “In the end, there is” aurait as i speak to you », underlines the President, « one dead and two injured (*). " The individual suspected of having committed this attack has been arrested and identified.. And the president to announce the first measures. " Considerable gendarmerie resources were deployed. Seveso sites have been further protected. And all the provisions are taken to avoid any additional drama. A Restricted Council will be held at the Elysée at 15:30 p.m.
European solidarity
« In these moments, it is necessary to have an expression of solidarity with regard to the victim added the French president. " Solidarity was also expressed this morning at the European Council ". But François Hollande also abjured everyone not to give in to emotion and fear.
Do not give in to emotion and fear
« There is an emotion. But emotion cannot be the only answer. There is action, deterrence, prevention, and therefore the need to uphold values and not give in to fear. Never ! ". And to add "We must rise to all the circumstances, not create unnecessary divisions, suspicions that would be intolerable, do the work that the French expect of us: to protect them, and at the same time establish the truth, eradicate groups or individuals responsible for such acts. »
(NGV to the European Council)
NB: The balance sheet was subsequently reviewed. There are no injuries in the strict sense of the term, according to the authorities. The circumstances have also been clarified. The deceased person is the assailant's boss. Read also: A labor dispute as much as an attack?