Nice Death Toll Rises as France Mourns After Truck Attack

NICE, France — The death toll continued to climb Friday as forensics teams combed the scene where a truck driver mowed down dozens of revelers after a fireworks display at the French seaside.

Police told to NBC News that 84 people were now confirmed dead following the attack in the coastal city of Nice.

French President Francois Hollande told reporters Friday that 50 people who were being treated at hospitals were in critical condition and "between life and death."

Bastille Day celebrations were transformed into scenes of chaos and carnage after the white vehicle careered down the packed promenade.

People were knocked down and thrown about like bowling pins and blood stained the pavement. Sirens and screams filled the air.

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Many children were among the dead and dozens more were among the wounded, according to French officials.

On Friday, the truck was still parked where a hail of police bullets had stopped the driver's deadly spree. Investigators pored over the scene under a hot sun as authorities maintained a wide perimeter.

One witness said that the truck driver pulled out a handgun and recounted how he found himself "in the middle of the gun shooting."