Occupant of exploded Dakar car speaks of attack: 'Bomb placed under pedal'

French prosecutors have launched a terrorism investigation into the explosion that took place on 30 December prior to the start of the Dakar Rally. The explosion severely injured the leg of French driver Philippe Boutron, who was rushed to hospital. Local authorities have reportedly ruled out malicious intent, but French prosecutors are less certain. That suspicion is supported by the statement of Mayeul Barbet, Boutron's teammate.

Barbet was in the car with Boutron and four team members at the time of the explosion. On the Sodicars team official website he calls the explosion an 'attack' and describes what happened. He explains that an explosive went off under the car and that he had to help his teammate who was seriously injured.

Teammate Boutron calls explosion an 'attack'

"Philippe got the full blast," Barbet begins. "The bomb that was placed under the pedal exploded after 500 meters. Then the car caught fire and Philippe asked me to help him out of the seat, because he couldn't feel his legs." After this, Barbet immediately applied tourniquets to stem the heavy bleeding. When the emergency services and authorities arrived, they asked not to talk about the incident, according to the Sodicars driver.

Meanwhile, French authorities have launched an investigation into the 'multiple attempted murder in relation to a terrorist group'. Prosecutors also point out that all occupants have French nationality. People with French nationality are more often the target of attacks in Saudi Arabia.