Police spokesperson on Monday (March 3) stated that a car crashed into a crowd in the western city of Mannheim, Germany, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The driver of the vehicle involved in the incident has been detained, but it is still unclear if there are any other suspects involved.
According to the authorities, “based on current findings, a car crashed into a crowd in the center of Mannheim.” The police stated in a release, “As per the ongoing investigation, this incident has resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries.”
“At the moment, we are unable to provide information about the number of injured individuals and the severity of their injuries.” The police added, “As part of the immediate search measures, the suspect was identified and arrested. Apart from the information released so far, no further reliable information can be disclosed at this time.”
Following the incident, police have already taken control of all bridges and major roads in the area. They have also urged the public to stay away from the city center.
Local media reports indicated that a black SUV drove at high speed into the crowd, moving from Paradeplatz Square in the center of Mannheim towards the city’s iconic water tower.
This incident comes amidst carnival celebrations taking place in various cities in western Germany. Following social media accounts linked to the ISIS extremist group calling for attacks on the carnival celebrations in Cologne and Nuremberg, authorities have been on high alert regarding this year’s carnival activities.
In recent times, there have been several malicious incidents of cars crashing into crowds in Germany. On February 13 at 10:30 am local time, a car plowed into a crowd in Munich, injuring at least 28 people, two of whom were seriously injured. On the evening of December 20, 2024, a car rammed into a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, a city in eastern Germany, resulting in multiple fatalities and over 200 injuries.
(This article referenced reports from Reuters and ABC News)