“Vehicle plows into crowded Christmas market in Germany, Two Dead, Over 60 Injured.”
MAGDEBURG, Germany: At least two people, including a young child, were killed, and more than 60 others injured when a car drove through a crowded Christmas market in eastern Germany on Friday, officials reported.
The driver, identified as a 50-year-old doctor from Saudi Arabia living in Germany, was taken into custody, according to Reiner Haseloff, premier of the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Authorities believe the suspect acted alone and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Details on the Victims and Injuries
The victims included one adult and one child, Haseloff said, adding that the severity of some injuries could result in additional fatalities.
Suspect’s Background
Tamara Zieschang, Saxony-Anhalt’s interior minister, stated that the suspect first entered Germany in 2006 and most recently worked as a doctor in Bernburg, approximately 30 miles south of Magdeburg.
Zieschang called the event “one of the darkest days for Saxony-Anhalt and Magdeburg.”
Incident Footage and Investigation
A short video circulating on social media platform X shows the vehicle speeding through a crowded market, hitting dozens of people while others frantically tried to escape. The footage, geolocated to Magdeburg, depicts the car continuing straight before making a sharp right turn and disappearing from view.
Authorities confirmed that the vehicle was a rental.
This tragic event has left the region reeling during what is typically a joyous holiday season. Investigators have yet to determine the motive or cause of the crash.
Two Killed In Germany As Car Ploughs Into Crowd At Christmas Market, And Injuring Dozens
Police have set up a hotline for those affected by the Magdeburg Christmas market incident, allowing them to contact relatives. Officials announced on the social media platform X that the market is closed due to “extensive police operations.”
Statements from Leaders
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences, warning of challenging days ahead. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” Scholz wrote on X. “We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers during these anxious hours.”
Reiner Haseloff, premier of Saxony-Anhalt, indicated that Scholz is expected to visit the crash site on Saturday.
Germany’s Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also addressed the incident, calling it “terrible news” in his statement on X.
International and Historical Context
The White House is closely monitoring the situation and has offered support to German authorities. A U.S. official extended condolences to the victims, their families, and the German people.
The tragedy evokes memories of a similar incident in December 2016 when a driver intentionally plowed into a Berlin Christmas market, killing 12 and injuring dozens.
Heightened Security Measures
In response to the Magdeburg attack, New York City police have increased security at holiday markets. Two Killed In Germany As Car Ploughs Into Crowd At Christmas Market, And Injuring Dozens. A senior NYPD official confirmed that additional resources are being deployed to key locations across the city. While threats have been made to markets abroad, no specific local threats have been identified.
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