Last night New Zealanders Petero Godquin and Duncan Sheffield had plans to celebrate near the Le Petit Cambodge restaurant where it’s alleged the first of the Paris terror attacks happened. Now they’re counting their blessings after a last minute change.
Godquin told Te Kāea, “We were supposed to go to dinner near where the first shooting happened, but we were delayed because a friend came over. That’s basically what saved us, I guess.”
It’s been reported that a gunman went on a rampage at the Le Petit Cambodge restaurant, killing two and injuring seven people.
“We found out further up the road at the Bataclan concert hall, there was a hostage situation,” says Godquin.
“We heard gunshots, that’s when we realised something is definitely wrong here, so we thought let’s go home,” says Sheffield.
Hundreds of concert-goers flocked to the Bataclan Concert Hall to watch the American band “Eagles of Death Metal”, where it’s alleged three gunmen took over the venue and more than 100 lives were taken.
The band posted this statement on their twitter account, “We are currently trying to determine the safety and whereabouts of our band and crew. Our thoughts are with all of the people involved in this tragic situation.”
New Zealanders living in France are being encouraged to register with “Paris Terror Attacks – Safety Check”, so authorities can get an indication of their well-being.
The Embassy says there is currently no confirmed information on the nationalities of victims but they are seeking information and maintaining contact with local authorities.
For more on this story tune in to Te Kāea at 5:30pm on Māori Television.