Emergency service personnel and firefighters are on duty at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, on December 20, 2024.
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A car sped through a crowded Christmas market in eastern Germany on Friday, killing at least two people and injuring 68 others in what officials said was a suspected attack.
A short video of the incident, located in the eastern German city of Magdeburg, was posted on X and shows a car speeding through a large group of shoppers. Dozens of people were crushed while others scrambled to safety. The vehicle travels in a straight line before turning right, out of the camera’s field of view.
The city of Magdeburg’s Facebook page reported that at least one person was killed and 68 injured, 15 of them seriously. Earlier, AFP reported that as many as 80 people had been injured.
Reuters reported that a spokesman for the city of Magdeburg called the incident an “attack.” Several people were injured and area hospitals were preparing for a mass casualty event, the spokesman said.
A policeman inspects a crime scene at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, on December 20, 2024.
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Police are currently conducting an extensive operation at the Magdeburg Christmas Market. Said in X’s post. The police also issued a hotline So that affected people can contact their relatives.
Reuters quoted German news agency dpa as reporting that the driver of the car had been arrested.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned of a difficult period ahead.
“My heart goes out to the victims and their families,” Scholz posted on social media. X. “We stand with them and with the people of Magdeburg. I would like to thank the rescue workers who are doing their job during these anxious times.”
German Deputy Chancellor Robert Habeck expressed regret over the incident in a Facebook post, calling it “terrible news.” X.
New York City police have increased security at holiday markets as a precaution and in response to events in Germany, a senior NYPD official told NBC News on Friday.
Additional resources will be sent to numerous holiday markets and high-profile locations across the city. The official said some overseas markets were threatened, but there was no specific local threat.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for details.
