Car drives into crowd in Mannheim, Germany: Major police operation underway
Photo: Car drives into crowd in Mannheim (GettyImages)
A tragedy happened in the center of Mannheim, Germany: a car drove into a crowd with one dead victim. Police are currently investigating, DW and The Guardian report.
A tragedy occurred in the center of Mannheim (Germany) when a car drove into a crowd of people. As a result of the incident, the entire area in the city center was cordoned off, and law enforcement is conducting an active operation with the involvement of emergency services.
According to eyewitnesses, the car drove into the crowd, which likely resulted in one person’s death. Large forces of police and rescuers gathered at the scene.
The incident occurred at the central parade square of the city, and according to SWR, at least one person was killed in the incident. Eyewitnesses report that the car drove into people, and debris was seen at the scene. At least one person was covered with a tarp.
Local police detained one suspect at the scene, while investigators are determining whether other individuals were involved. Information about the possible motives and circumstances of the incident has not been disclosed.
The police confirmed that the incident occurred at the central square of the city, and an investigation is already underway.
This incident occurred amid celebrations of the carnival season in Germany, including the opening of the local carnival market and the holding of the carnival parade. A traditional street carnival event was also scheduled for Tuesday.
Local media reports a significant police presence, as well as a police helicopter circling the scene.
Police urged residents of the city to avoid the center of Mannheim and to follow safety precautions, as authorities are not ruling out the possibility of terrorist intentions.
Given recent similar incidents in other cities, particularly in Munich and Magdeburg, this one has raised heightened concern among local law enforcement.
On Thursday, February 13, in Munich, on the opening day of the security conference, an Afghan refugee drove his car into a crowd.
According to law enforcement, a white car approached police vehicles that were escorting a demonstration of striking workers and then suddenly accelerated and crashed into people. According to the latest reports, at least 30 people were injured in the incident.
