Tragedy: Car plows into Christmas market, kills two, injures dozens

A festive evening at the Christmas market in Magdeburg turned into a scene of devastation on Friday when a car rammed into a crowd, leaving at least two people dead and 68 others injured, 15 of them seriously.

The fatalities included an adult and a toddler, according to Reiner Haseloff, the prime minister of Saxony-Anhalt state. Authorities have arrested the suspected driver, identified as a 50-year-old Saudi Arabian doctor with permanent residency in Germany.

Footage shows the horrifying moment when a black vehicle plowed through the busy market, scattering people and debris.

Some panicked individuals ran for safety, while others dove into market stalls. The scene was left littered with bodies and wreckage as the car sped through the plaza before coming to a stop.

The area around the car was initially cordoned off due to fears of an explosive device inside. However, local broadcaster MDR later confirmed that no such device was found.

Hospitals in Magdeburg were overwhelmed, and some of the critically injured were flown to facilities in nearby Halle. Those with minor injuries were treated at a shopping center and aboard a tram converted into a makeshift care center.

The Christmas market, one of Magdeburg’s highlights, typically attracts thousands of visitors with its 140 stalls, ice skating rink, and Ferris wheel. The market had been scheduled to run until December 29.

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The suspect, who rented the vehicle used in the attack, has been a resident of Germany since 2006 and works in Saxony-Anhalt. Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang confirmed the man’s identity and permanent residency status. Authorities have not disclosed a motive, and investigations are ongoing.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences and announced plans to visit Magdeburg on Saturday.

“Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by the people of Magdeburg during these anxious hours,” Scholz stated, thanking rescue workers for their swift response.

Reiner Haseloff announced a period of mourning across Germany, with flags flying at half-mast. “This tragedy has deeply impacted us all. We share in the suffering of those affected,” he said.

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International leaders also condemned the attack. Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry expressed its rejection of violence and extended condolences to the victims’ families. European leaders, including António Costa, Emmanuel Macron, and Dick Schoof, also offered their sympathies.

The White House confirmed that U.S. officials were in contact with their German counterparts to offer support.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the incident to uncover the motive and prevent such tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, the community rallies together, grieving for the lives lost and supporting those injured in this devastating attack.