4 American Students Survive Acid Attack in France

Four American college students, all women in their 20’s, were injured Sunday in an acid attack in France. Two were treated for injuries to the face while the others were treated for shock.

The attack took place at a train station in Marseille, a port city in southern France.

The alleged attacker, a 41- year old woman, has been taken into custody.

A spokesperson for the Marseille prosecutor said the attacker did not yell anything indicating the assault was religiously motivated.

French authorities so far do not think extremist views motivated the woman who was arrested as the alleged assailant. They believe her to be mentally unstable.

The Americans are students from Boston College studying abroad. Boston College identified the students as Courtney Siverling, Charlotte Kaufman, Michelle Krug and Kelsey Kosten.

"It appears that the students are fine, considering the circumstances, though they may require additional treatment for burns," Nick Gozik, who directs Boston College's Office of International Programs. "We have been in contact with the students and their parents and remain in touch with French officials and the U.S. Embassy regarding the incident."

France has seen scattered attacks by unstable individuals as well as Islamic terrorists in recent years, including in Marseille.