Australian injured in Nice attack was on Topdeck tour

THREE Australians, including a woman on a Topdeck tour of France, have been injured when an explosive-laden truck was purposefully driven into crowds celebrating Bastille Day, killing at least 80.

THREE Australians have been injured in the terrorist attacks in Nice this morning (Australian time), Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has confirmed.

The three all suffered minor injuries while trying to flee the horrific scene

“I have just spoken with our ambassador in Paris, Stephen Brady, and we understand that three Australians have been injured,” Ms Bishop said.

“They have suffered minor injuries, seeking to flee the scene, to get away from the scene. We are working to provide consular assistance to all three.”

Ms Bishop said the advice to Australians thinking of travelling to France remains the same as it has been.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reissued our travel advice for France in light of this incident, but the overall level of advice for France hasn’t changed. We continue to advise Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in France,” she said.

Police officers, firefighters and rescue workers are seen at the site of the attack. Picture: AFP

One of the injured Aussies was a woman on a Topdeck tour, the tour company has confirmed.

Her identity is not yet known, but she is expected to recover fully.

Topdeck global general manager Sarah Clark confirmed one of the organisation’s customers had been injured.

“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,” she said.

“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.

Locals and emergency services attempt to help the injured following the attack. Picture: Twitter

“The safety and wellbeing 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.”

The Australian was injured in the attack that killed more than 80 people in the city in the south of France, when a truck drove into a crowd of people celebrating Bastille Day.

The truck was peppered by police bullets after the driver reportedly emerged shooting.

Australian Marcus Freeman, who is in Nice with his wife Sally-Anne, described the scene as “mayhem”.

“Devastating to see that over 70 people were killed and the truck was full of guns — we are currently in lockdown and safe,” he told The Daily Telegraph.

Marcus Freeman, who is in Nice with his wife Sally-Anne, snapped this photo shortly before the attack. Picture: Supplied

“Words cannot describe the fear ... we collected 10 plus people from the street and brought them into our hotel.

“Very sad and cannot believe this has happened.”

The head of digital for LJ Hooker Real Estate snapped a photo of himself with his wife in the street, only moments before the attack.

He said he had earlier commented on how happy and well behaved everyone seemed.

The French Interior Ministry has since confirmed the truck used in the attack contained were guns and explosives.

Neighbouring hotels and restaurants have been turned into makeshift hospitals to treat the injured and store dead bodies.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop condemned the attack and said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance to Australians caught up in the attack.

“Once again we stand resolutely with the people of France, our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families,” she said.

The truck was riddled with bullets after running down a crowd of people. Picture: Twitter

Emergency services in the street following the Bastille Day attack. Picture: Twitter

“Australians in Nice should remain attentive to their surrounding and avoid affected areas.”

The Prime Minister has confirmed he had phoned Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove who is in Paris for Bastille Day celebrations. He has also spoken with New Zealand Prime Minister John Key who is also in Paris.

“Only eight months ago we mourned for the victims of terrorist attacks in Paris. Now once again we mourn for the victims of another murderous act of terror in France overnight, on Bastille Day,’’ Malcolm Turnbull said in a statement.

“Our deepest sympathies and condolences are with the people of France. Our nations are united in freedom’s cause today, just as we were a hundred years ago.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has urged Australians concerned about loved ones in France to contact them on 1300 555 135 or [phone].

French soldiers stand guard by the sealed off area following the attack. Picture: AP