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On Monday in Mannheim, Germany, a tragic incident unfolded when a man drove a vehicle into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. The German state’s interior minister described the act as a deliberate use of the car “as a weapon.”
Authorities have detained a 40-year-old male suspect, a German national reportedly struggling with mental health challenges. He was receiving medical care as of Monday evening.
Thomas Strobl, the interior minister for Baden-Württemberg, noted, “This disturbing event is part of a troubling trend of incidents where vehicles have been weaponized in attacks.”
The minister confirmed that two people succumbed to their injuries, with several others sustaining serious wounds. Local officials have indicated no immediate indications of political or religious motivations behind the attack.
Die Welt reported, referencing security sources, that the owner of the vehicle exhibited previous associations with right-wing extremism. However, it remains unclear if the vehicle’s owner was the one driving at the time of the incident.
As the suspect was being apprehended, he reportedly used a blank-firing gun on himself and is now in critical condition.
CCTV footage captured a black Ford racing through Paradeplatz, a pedestrian square in the heart of Mannheim.
Medical personnel at Mannheim University Hospital reported that two adults and a child were in “acute medical care” following the collision.
This incident is particularly alarming, especially following a series of violent attacks in Germany, including knife assaults and car-ramming incidents in public spaces.
While the suspect identified in Mannheim is a German citizen, there have been recent instances in Magdeburg and Munich where refugees have been implicated in similar attacks.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “We mourn with the families of the victims of yet another senseless act of violence. We must not allow this to continue.”
Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz also voiced his shock, affirming, “The crime in Mannheim deeply troubles us. My thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones. We must take action to prevent such occurrences in the future.”
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, likening it to “all hell breaking loose” as the vehicle struck the crowd near a shopping area and the renowned 19th-century water tower.
According to an eyewitness interviewed by Die Welt, police forces arrived rapidly, along with a helicopter, as bystanders fled in panic.
Images of the vehicle involved in the incident showed extensive damage, including a shattered windshield.
This tragic event occurred against the backdrop of heightened security during Germany’s spring carnival season, which typically features street festivals and parades.
Notably, just weeks prior, a rejected Afghan asylum seeker drove a car into a trade union demonstration in Munich, resulting in the tragic deaths of a woman and her young daughter.
Previously, another car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg led to numerous casualties, including six fatalities.
Additionally, a knife attack in Solingen in August, allegedly executed by a failed Syrian asylum seeker with ties to the Islamic State, claimed three lives and injured eight others.
There is also a history of violence in Mannheim itself, with a recent stabbing at an anti-Islam rally resulting in the death of a police officer and injuries to several others.
05:53 PM GMT
That’s all for today.
Further updates will follow.
05:52 PM GMT
Pictured: The smashed vehicle involved in the incident
Forensic investigators are at the scene of a car involved in the tragedy – REUTERS
05:42 PM GMT
Ten individuals receiving medical treatment
Local officials report that five victims are seriously injured while another five sustained minor injuries.
05:34 PM GMT
Authorities find no immediate evidence of political motivation behind the car incident
In a statement, police emphasized that current investigations have yielded no indications of a political agenda driving the incident.
05:23 PM GMT
Scholz denounces the act as an ‘unfathomable act of violence’
Chancellor Olaf Scholz condemned the attack, labeling it a “senseless act of brutality.”
05:18 PM GMT
Additional insights on the incident:
Interior Minister Strobl confirmed that the driver is from the neighboring state of Rhineland-Palatinate and stated there appears to be no link to the nearby carnival festivities.
04:41 PM GMT
Suspect has a ‘history of mental health issues’
Reports indicate that the driver has been known to local authorities for mental health concerns.
04:40 PM GMT
Two adults and child in ‘acute care’
Medical facilities in Mannheim reported that two adults and a child are currently in urgent care.
04:26 PM GMT
New CCTV footage reveals moments before the collision
Credit: X/@jon_delorraine
04:15 PM GMT
Merz labels the occurrence a ‘shocking crime’
Friedrich Merz reacted strongly to the unfolding events, expressing shock at the crime on social media.
04:09 PM GMT
German man, 40, detained
A 40-year-old German individual has been taken into custody in connection with the Mannheim incident.
04:07 PM GMT
Fatalities rise to two
Authorities report that two individuals have died as a result of the car crash in Mannheim.
02:58 PM GMT
Pictured: The site secured by police
Authorities secure the area where the car drove into the crowd – REUTERS
02:57 PM GMT
Confirmed: Suspect is a German national
The apprehended suspect is confirmed as a German citizen, according to local news sources.
02:28 PM GMT
Witnesses document the chaotic aftermath
Credit: Social media
02:19 PM GMT
Incident Location
02:16 PM GMT
A spike in violence in Germany
Authorities are currently assessing the nature of today’s situation, weighing whether it constitutes an intentional attack or an unfortunate mishap.
In recent months, there has been a notable surge in attacks throughout Germany, frequently involving vehicles used as weapons.
The tragic event in Mannheim follows other attacks, including a deadly incident in Munich last month, where a car deliberately struck a demonstration, resulting in multiple casualties.
As the investigation continues, German authorities remain vigilant, closely monitoring developments and assessing public safety.
02:08 PM GMT
Forensic teams on-site
Experts analyze the vehicle suspected to have struck the crowd – DPA
01:57 PM GMT
Emergency measures activated at local hospital
Mannheim’s university hospital has declared a disaster alert, mobilizing numerous trauma response teams in reaction to the influx of victims.
01:55 PM GMT
Pictured: Emergency responders at the incident site
Personnel secure the scene of the tragic event in Mannheim – DPA
01:40 PM GMT
Eyewitness recalls chaos
One witness, dining at a nearby establishment, described the scene as pandemonium.
01:36 PM GMT
Details about the incident
Witnesses report a black SUV speeding towards a group of pedestrians around noon, causing widespread panic and injuries.
01:29 PM GMT
The immediate scene following the attack
Eyewitness accounts suggest a chaotic and distressing aftermath, with emergency services responsive.
01:16 PM GMT
Initial updates: A person dead, injuries reported
Initial reports confirm one fatality and several injuries following the incident.
01:08 PM GMT
Incident follows earlier Munich tragedy
This latest incident follows closely on the heels of a similar attack in Munich which resulted in multiple casualties.
12:58 PM GMT
Eyewitness accounts describe horror
A carnival market was ongoing in Mannheim, leading to heightened activity in the area prior to the incident.
12:54 PM GMT
Public safety warnings issued
Police have advised residents in the vicinity to remain indoors and avoid the downtown area.
12:50 PM GMT
Emergency response in action
Emergency personnel are present in significant numbers in Mannheim following the incident – DPA
12:46 PM GMT
Witnesses report multiple injuries
Several individuals were seen receiving aid, with resuscitation efforts underway for some victims.
12:43 PM GMT
Large police response initiated
Witnesses confirm substantial police presence as authorities respond to the unfolding situation.
12:40 PM GMT
Injuries reported, with some critical
Initial reports indicate a high-speed car collision involving a large crowd, resulting in multiple injuries.
12:35 PM GMT
Warnings issued regarding ‘life-threatening events’
Authorities have issued alerts to the public regarding a potential life-threatening situation in the area.
12:33 PM GMT
City center cordoned off for safety
The city center of Mannheim is secured, with police cordoning off access to the area.
12:28 PM GMT
Welcome to our live coverage
We are providing updates on the situation unfolding in Mannheim amidst a significant law enforcement response.
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