Car crashes into shoppers at Christmas market in Germany, more than 60 injured
According to local authorities, at least two people were killed, including a child, and more than 60 people were injured.
On the evening of December 20, a black BMW plowed into a crowded Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg, killing at least two people and injuring more than 60. According to authorities, the driver, identified as a Saudi Arabian doctor, was arrested at the scene.
Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff confirmed that one of the two victims was a child. BILD initially reported that the death toll could be as high as 11, but later said that information about the number of deaths was conflicting.
Speaking at a press conference, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang said the suspect is a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia who came to Germany in 2006 and currently has a permanent residence permit. According to Mr. Haseloff, the car the suspect used was a rental car.
An investigation into the driver's motives is underway. Local media reported that authorities are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. Police are also investigating whether the suspect acted alone.
The incident occurred at 7:04 p.m. local time. The car drove at high speed for 400 meters through the Christmas market near the city's town hall, causing shoppers to panic and run in all directions. Witnesses described the car plowing straight into the crowd, with screams of terror echoing throughout the street.
Medical staff quickly arrived at the scene and set up an emergency tent to treat the injured. The first group of 10-20 injured people were taken to Magdeburg University Hospital, where additional intensive care beds were prepared.
An unconfirmed video circulating on social media shows the vehicle plowing into a crowded market. Another video shows injured people lying on the ground and a large police presence in the area. The authenticity of these videos has not been verified.
“This is a horrific event, especially in the days leading up to Christmas,” Mr. Haseloff said as he arrived at the scene to assess the situation.
“These images are horrific,” added city spokesman Michael Reif.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media: “The news from Magdeburg is terrible. My condolences to the victims and their families. We stand with them and the people of Magdeburg.”
Political leaders across Germany have also expressed their shock. CDU leader Friedrich Merz wrote: “This is extremely sad news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I also thank the rescue workers who are caring for the injured.”
“The images from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the families of the victims and the injured. When will this madness end?” added Alice Weidel, leader of the AfD party.
Authorities have closed the Christmas market and people have been asked to stay away from the area. Market organizers warned on Instagram: “Please allow the rescue team to do their work and leave the market in an orderly manner.”
Magdeburg, located west of Berlin, is the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, with a population of about 240,000.
