On Friday December 20, a car hit visitors to a Christmas market in Magdeburg, 150 km from Berlin (north-east of the country), causing numerous victims. According to an initial assessment given by the spokesperson for the local emergency services, between “60 and 80 people” were injured, some seriously. One person was arrestedaccording to the spokesperson for the regional government, Matthias Schuppe, quoted by several German media, including radio Central German Radio. Follow our live stream.
The authorities suspect “an attack”. “We think it was an attack,” a spokeswoman for the Saxony-Anhalt regional interior ministry told AFP. No additional details have been given at this time.
Olaf Scholz fears “the worst”. “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand with you and with the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated first responders in these anxious hours.”writes the German Chancellor on X.
A large police force deployed. “Extensive police operations are currently taking place at the Magdeburg Christmas market. The Christmas market in the city center is closed”writes about X the police of this city of nearly 250,000 inhabitants. On Instagram, the organizers of the Magdeburg Christmas market announced the closure of the place and called for people to avoid the area. “Please let the emergency services do their job and leave the market in an orderly manner.”they add.
