Vehicle Strikes Shoppers at German Christmas Market
An automobile has crashed into a crowd in Magdeburg, Germany, with reports indicating that 60 to 80 individuals have been injured. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Two individuals, including a young child, have been reported killed, with authorities stating that up to 70 others have been injured, following a devastating incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening. Officials have confirmed that the driver, a doctor from Saudi Arabia, was apprehended at the scene.
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff disclosed that among the deceased was a small child. Initially, BILD reported that sources suggested a potential death toll of up to 11, but this information was later deemed inconsistent.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and possesses a permanent residence permit, according to Saxony-Anhalt’s interior minister, Tamara Zieschang, during a news conference. Haseloff mentioned that the vehicle involved was a rental car.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the motive behind the driver's actions, with local media indicating that the incident may be classified as a suspected terror attack. Police are also looking into whether he acted alone.
The chaos unfolded at approximately 7:04 PM local time when the car reportedly surged through 400 meters of the bustling market near the historic town hall, resulting in panicked reactions from shoppers. Witnesses recounted horrifying scenes as the car barreled into the crowd, accompanied by screams of terror.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived, establishing treatment tents for the injured. The initial group of victims, numbering between 10 to 20, was sent to University Hospital Magdeburg, which had prepared additional intensive care beds for the influx.
Unverified graphic footage circulating on social media purportedly depicts the moment the car crashed into the market, while another clip shows individuals lying on the ground amid a significant police presence. The legitimacy of these videos remains unconfirmed.
“This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas,” Haseloff remarked, having traveled to Magdeburg to evaluate the incident. City spokesman Michael Reif described the visuals as "terrible."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared his sympathies through social media, saying, “The reports from Magdeburg suggest bad things. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the people of Magdeburg.”
Political leaders throughout Germany expressed their shock at the incident. CDU leader Friedrich Merz commented, “This is very devastating news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. I thank the emergency services caring for the wounded.”
AfD leader Alice Weidel remarked, “The pictures from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and wounded. When will this madness end?”
In the aftermath, authorities have closed the Christmas market and are advising the public to steer clear of the area. Organizers posted on Instagram, “Please let emergency services do their work and leave the market in an orderly manner.”
Magdeburg, the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is located west of Berlin and has a population of approximately 240,000.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
Saxony-Anhalt’s Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff disclosed that among the deceased was a small child. Initially, BILD reported that sources suggested a potential death toll of up to 11, but this information was later deemed inconsistent.
Authorities have identified the suspect as a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006 and possesses a permanent residence permit, according to Saxony-Anhalt’s interior minister, Tamara Zieschang, during a news conference. Haseloff mentioned that the vehicle involved was a rental car.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the motive behind the driver's actions, with local media indicating that the incident may be classified as a suspected terror attack. Police are also looking into whether he acted alone.
The chaos unfolded at approximately 7:04 PM local time when the car reportedly surged through 400 meters of the bustling market near the historic town hall, resulting in panicked reactions from shoppers. Witnesses recounted horrifying scenes as the car barreled into the crowd, accompanied by screams of terror.
Emergency response teams swiftly arrived, establishing treatment tents for the injured. The initial group of victims, numbering between 10 to 20, was sent to University Hospital Magdeburg, which had prepared additional intensive care beds for the influx.
Unverified graphic footage circulating on social media purportedly depicts the moment the car crashed into the market, while another clip shows individuals lying on the ground amid a significant police presence. The legitimacy of these videos remains unconfirmed.
“This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas,” Haseloff remarked, having traveled to Magdeburg to evaluate the incident. City spokesman Michael Reif described the visuals as "terrible."
Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared his sympathies through social media, saying, “The reports from Magdeburg suggest bad things. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the people of Magdeburg.”
Political leaders throughout Germany expressed their shock at the incident. CDU leader Friedrich Merz commented, “This is very devastating news from Magdeburg. My thoughts are with the victims and their relatives. I thank the emergency services caring for the wounded.”
AfD leader Alice Weidel remarked, “The pictures from Magdeburg are shocking! My thoughts are with the bereaved and wounded. When will this madness end?”
In the aftermath, authorities have closed the Christmas market and are advising the public to steer clear of the area. Organizers posted on Instagram, “Please let emergency services do their work and leave the market in an orderly manner.”
Magdeburg, the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is located west of Berlin and has a population of approximately 240,000.
Thomas Evans contributed to this report for TROIB News
