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Attack on Magdeburg Christmas market: toddler among the dead
Attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market! A driver drove into a crowd despite the barrier.
Magdeburg – Stop on the Magdeburg Christmas market! A driver crashed into several people. There are dead and injured!
There is talk of more than 60 injuries. © Thomas Schulz/dpa
Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff (70, CDU) spoke in the evening of at least two deaths, an adult and a small child.
The arrested suspect (50) is a doctor from Saudi Arabia who arrived in 2006 and works in Bernburg. It is said to be a lone perpetrator.
According to several media reports, there is even talk of 11 deaths. There are said to be 60 to 80 injured.
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The 50-year-old is said to have crashed into the crowd in a BMW shortly after 7 p.m. According to a detective, the car drove across the entire market.
Horrible scenes took place on site, with people lying on the ground everywhere who had to be treated.
TAG24 reports in the live ticker!
Update, 11:50 p.m.: Magdeburg Clinic is treating more than 50 injured people
As the Magdeburg Clinic told TAG24, 54 injured people were admitted there, nine of whom are seriously injured and are now in operating rooms, as well as 24 moderately serious injuries.
In addition, some off-duty employees are said to have come to the clinic to help. “Despite this tragedy, this willingness to help is heartbreaking,” said the hospital’s spokeswoman.
Update, 11:26 p.m.: Operation in Bernburg
In the evening, according to the “Mitteldeutscher Zeitung”, there was a police operation in Bernburg, the city where the last person lived.
Heavily armed officers had parked in front of an apartment building and were looking for a person. To what extent the operation is related to the Magdeburg attack is still unclear.
Update, 11:23 p.m.: Police information portal
The police have one Information portal unlocked. Witnesses can upload photos, videos or tips there.
A citizen telephone was also switched on. This can be reached at number 0391/5461690, it said.
Update, 11:03 p.m.: At least 64 injured
Reiner Haseloff explained at another press conference that there were 64 final ones.
According to Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, it was “one of the blackest days in the city.” She thanked the first responders and explained that they were being supported by the surrounding counties.
Mayor Simone Borris is close to tears. “Hope that after the grief it will still be possible to enjoy life.”
There will be a memorial service in the cathedral on Saturday evening.
Rescue workers continue to look after the injured. © Heiko Rebsch/dpa
Update, 10:24 p.m.: Video shows the alleged perpetrator being arrested
After the terrible act, the man was arrested. A video from an eyewitness shows the officers' actions.
Update, 10:09 p.m.: The suspect is a doctor from Saudi Arabia
According to Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang (CDU) the suspect arrived in 2006. He is a doctor from Bernburg and 50 years old. According to current knowledge, he is the only perpetrator. He has a permanent residence permit.
He is said to have used a rental car with a Munich license plate for his crime. Further investigations are ongoing.
Update, 10:06 p.m.: Haseloff confirms two deaths
Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff spoke of “a terrible tragedy”. There are now two dead, an adult and a small child.
Olaf Scholz will also get an idea of the situation on Saturday.
Update, 9:56 p.m.: Police set up hotline for relatives
A citizen hotline was set up (exclusively) for affected relatives. Phone number: 0391/5461690.
Update, 9:48 p.m.: Suspect not yet known to be Islamist
As the German Press Agency reports, citing security circles, the arrested suspect is said to have not previously been known to be Islamist.
According to initial findings, the man is said to be around 50 years old and comes from Saudi Arabia.
Update, 9:43 p.m.: The crime vehicle is being examined
According to police, there could be explosive devices in the crime vehicle. This is now being checked.
Heavily armed emergency services are on site. © Thomas Schulz/dpa
Update, 9:36 p.m.: The extent is slowly becoming known
Pictures show a beauty of devastation. Heavily armed investigators are still on site.
The driver raced through the Christmas market. © DAY24
Update, 9:26 p.m.: More than 60 last
City spokesman Michael Reif is currently officially speaking of one dead, 15 seriously injured, 37 moderately injured and 16 slightly injured.
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Update, 9:24 p.m.: “Image of horror”
Mayor Regina-Dolores Stieler-Hinz said it was “a picture of horror.”
“It shows again and again that you can maintain security as high as you want, when people set out to commit such terrible acts, sometimes we are simply defenseless.”
People from young to old were caught by an SUV. “Christmas is canceled this year.”
Update, 9:19 p.m.: Olaf Scholz reports
Chancellor Olaf Scholz also commented:
“The reports from Magdeburg suggest something bad. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by your side and by the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.”
Update, 9:14 p.m.: Patient care
Tents were set up to care for the numerous injured. In addition to the Magdeburg Clinic, the hospital in Halle is also preparing for patients at the Magdeburg Christmas market.
Tents were set up to care for the injured. © Heiko Rebsch/dpa
Update, 9:09 p.m.: City center cordoned off
All people on site are sent away immediately. The Old Market and the city center are largely closed. There will be a press conference soon.
Paramedics take care of the injured man. © Tom Musche
Update, 8:52 p.m.: Numerous injured
According to city spokesman Michael Reif, there were numerous injuries. “The fire brigade and the police are on duty and are caring for the injured.” The pictures are “horrible”.
The police cordoned off the crime scene. © DAY24
Update, 8:42 p.m.: Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff shocked
Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Reiner Haseloff (CDU) told the German Press Agency after the attack: “This is a terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.” He is on the way to Magdeburg.
Update, 8:39 p.m.: Civil protection on site
Civil protection is on site to look after the survivors.
Update, 8:37 p.m.: Police confirm at least one death
The Magdeburg police speak of at least one death.
The exact extent is still unclear. © Heiko Rebsch/dpa
Update, 8:30 p.m.: Video shows terrible scenes from the attack
Images from a surveillance camera show the driver speeding through the crowd.
A video shows the man racing through the crowd. © Screenshot/private
Update, 8:16 p.m.: Government speaks of an attack
Government spokesman Matthias Schuppe confirmed to MDR that the incident was an attack. Further information about the perpetrator is not yet known.
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Update, 8:12 p.m.: Police announce first report
The police report: “Extensive police operations are currently taking place at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. The Christmas market in the city center is closed. It will be reported back.”
Update, 8:10 p.m.: Large contingent on site
Police, fire brigade and helicopters are currently in action in the old town. Rescue workers look after the injured.
Rescue workers treat victims. © Dörthe Hein/dpa-Zentralbild/dpa
Update, 7:59 p.m.: Fans of 1. FC Magdeburg stop supporting
Second division soccer team 1. FC Magdeburg is currently playing away at Fortuna Düsseldorf. The fans have currently stopped their support.
