Nanaimo students coming home early from European trip after Nice attack

The Nanaimo school children who were in Nice when at least 84 people died in a truck attack are returning home early.

The Nanaimo-Ladysmith School District made the decision after consulting with the Ministry of Education, The Canadian Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response (CCTATR), and Safer Schools Together.

While calling it a “difficult decision,” the district says some of the students witnessed the attack, and their top priority is “the safety and ongoing support for these students and staff.”

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“Getting our students home safe, and providing counselling support for those in Nice is the #1 priority for the district,” said Superintendent John Blain in a statement.

READ MORE: Witnesses describe deadly attack in Nice: ‘Bodies flying like bowling pins’

“They have witnessed a horrific event and will need ongoing support from the district. We are prepared to offer our counsellors to all students and staff for as long as they need.”

Over 85 students and chaperones left on Monday to a trip to Europe, and had stopped in Nice for a day trip.

The district says the Ministry of Education has committed to ongoing financial and expert support for the district, staff, students and families involved, and that they’ll be in contact with parents shortly to discuss travel details.