Vehicle Crashes into Christmas Market in Germany, Resulting in Two Fatalities and Over 60 Injuries; Saudi National Detained

Berlin, Dec 21 (NationPress) A Saudi national has been detained following an incident where a vehicle crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, central Germany. This tragic event has led to the loss of two lives, including that of a child, and has left over 60 individuals injured, according to Saxony-Anhalt's state premier.

The collision occurred on Friday evening while the market was teeming with shoppers preparing for the festive season.

Expressing his condolences, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to X, stating, "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg."

In a press briefing, Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff disclosed that the suspected driver is a Saudi Arabian doctor who has been living in Germany since 2006 and is employed in the area.

Among the injured, 15 are reported to be in critical condition, raising fears that the death toll could rise, Haseloff added.

Haseloff confirmed that the driver has been taken into custody and mentioned that the suspect was not previously associated with any Islamist activities.

Local media have identified the vehicle as a black BMW, which reportedly entered the crowded market area around 7:04 PM. Eyewitnesses described the driver maneuvering in a zigzag pattern through the market, creating panic and chaos.

Authorities stated that the vehicle traveled at least 400 meters within the Christmas market before being halted. The market, located near Magdeburg's city hall, was swiftly closed down following the incident, and emergency responders, including ambulances and firefighters, were dispatched in significant numbers to support the victims.

Magdeburg, with a population of approximately 237,000, is situated in Saxony-Anhalt, about 150 kilometers west of Berlin.

This heartbreaking incident echoes memories of a similar attack in Berlin on December 19, 2016, when a truck was driven into a Christmas market, resulting in 12 deaths and over 70 injuries. The attacker in that incident fled to Italy, where he was ultimately killed by police.

Investigations into the Magdeburg incident are ongoing, and further updates are anticipated.