Germany: 11 dead, dozens injured in Magdeburg car accident

At least 11 people were killed and between 60 and 80 others were injured in a run-over accident on Friday evening in the German city of Magdeburg, according to press reports and medical sources.

A horrific incident occurred at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, when a driver drove a car into a crowd of people at 19:04, when the perpetrator drove a dark-coloured BMW for 400 metres inside the crowded market.

A police spokesman confirmed that the driver, believed to be the perpetrator of the attack, had been arrested at the scene.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families, noting that the news coming from Magdeburg was “horrific.” He thanked the rescue and ambulance teams for their tireless efforts at the scene.

🚨 #BREAKING : INSANE footage shows the moment a car RAN OVER multiple CIVILIANS in Magdeburg, Germany! pic.twitter.com/EHsQ4BPV6v

- The Savior (@stairwayto3dom) December 20, 2024

The injured were transferred to Magdeburg University Hospital, where medical teams began receiving emergency cases. The hospital spokesman confirmed that efforts are continuing to provide the necessary care, with more intensive care beds being prepared.

As a precaution, the Christmas market in Erfurt was evacuated after the incident, although there was no immediate threat.

The Thuringian interior minister said the measure was taken at the request of the organisers.

Security sources reported that the suspect, a man born in 1974 with Saudi nationality, had rented the car used in the incident a short time ago. A bag was also found in the front seat of the car, and its contents are being examined.

A spokesman for the Magdeburg state government also said the incident "may have been an attack."

Videos on social media showed the Christmas market, located near the town hall, crowded with ambulances and paramedics following the incident.

The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who first came to Germany in 2006, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Sitchang told reporters.

The city of Magdeburg remains in shock over these tragic events, while investigations continue to uncover the circumstances of the attack and the perpetrator's motives.

Source: Agencies