Several people have been injured and some feared killed after a car smashed into a Christmas market in Germany, with video taken from the scene showing numerous police vehicles at the scene
Germany: Huge police presence after ‘two vehicles’ crash into Christmas market
A car crashed into shoppers at a Christmas market in Germany leaving several people injured with unconfirmed reports that there have been fatalities.
At least one car crashed into the market in Magdeburg, in east Germany, with deaths being reported alongside several people being injured. Rescue workers and firefighters are understood to be at the scene.
Magdeburg Police said in a statement shared on X/Twitter: “Extensive police operations are currently taking place at the Magdeburg Christmas market. The Christmas market in the city centre is closed. Further reports will be made.”
According to local broadcaster MDR, the driver of the vehicle has been has been arrested. A local government spokesperson confirmed several people had been injured and that some may have been killed.
The vehicle is understood to have smashed through barriers and ran over several people at the market. Unconfirmed reports said a car hit several people before the driver turned onto the market square close to the site of a former McDonald’s restaurant.
Video taken at the scene and shared online by X/Twitter account @muirytAtyrium showed dozens of emergency services vehicles on the street. Police cars, fire engines and ambulances were seen with their sirens flashing with most traffic on the street having been cleared.
Police have since cordoned off the city centre and have advised people to avoid the area. It is unclear how many people have been injured or whether there are any confirmed fatalities.
Photos taken at the scene showed firefighters at the scene of the crash with the area being cordoned off. Several ambulances were also seen nearby.
The nearby city of Halle has now taken steps to increase security at its own Christmas market. The city’s hospitals are also reportedly preparing to take in some of the injured.
The Mirror has contacted Magdeburg Police for comment.
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