Magdeburg – (Video at the end of the article) The tragedy at the Christmas market in Magdeburg has reached far greater proportions than initially feared. According to the latest information, at least eleven people died in the attack (as reported by “Bild”). Numerous other people were injured and are being cared for by rescue workers in improvised tents on site. The Christmas market was bypassed and tram traffic in the city center was stopped.
All hospitals in Halle are preparing for a mass accident; the intensive care transport vehicle is currently on its way to Magdeburg. All rescue helicopters in the greater Halle area fly towards Magdeburg. The Magdeburg police cordoned off everything on site because, according to the police, an explosive device was suspected in the perpetrator's vehicle.
Eyewitnesses speak of terrible scenes: The perpetrator is said to have driven specifically into the busy fairytale area of the market, where many families were out and about. A mother reported that she and her child were just able to escape. A restaurateur described “war-like conditions” as the vehicle sped right past his stand.
There is great consternation over the attack. City spokesman Michael Reif spoke of “terrible images” and emphasized that the final number of victims had not yet been determined. The first reactions also came from politics: Union Chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz was deeply affected and thanked the emergency services who looked after the injured. AfD leader Alice Weidel called the events “shocking” and called for an end to the “madness”.
While the investigation continues, the city of Magdeburg is in shock. The perpetrator apparently drove deliberately into the crowd and left a path of destruction. 1. FC Magdeburg's victory at Fortuna Düsseldorf (5:2) became irrelevant when the news spread during the game. Both fan camps are ceasing their support – a silent expression of solidarity with the victims and their families. Subscribe to the Blue Light Report Saarland WhatsApp channel NOW and ALWAYS stay up to date directly (click here)
Eyewitness videos paint a dark picture on the streets of Magdeburg's Christmas market. People are lying on the streets, there is chaos. Here is an eyewitness video from “koerner_23” on X:
