Two people have died and several are injured after a car ploughed onto a busy street in the eastern city of Leipzig on Monday. Here’s what know so far.
Germany is reeling following the fatal incident in Leipzig on Monday, which authorities have described as a rampage.
A car, driven by a 33-year-old German man, rammed into a crowded street in Leipzig city centre at around 4.45pm on May 4th.
The vehicle came from Augustusplatz and drove across the market square through Grimmaische Straße, a busy pedestrian zone.
The vehicle struck several pedestrians. A 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man died, the public prosecutor’s office and Leipzig police said.
Eyewitnesses told broadcaster MDR that the white car was travelling at an estimated speed of around 70 to 80 kilometres per hour.
Numerous other people have been injured, at least three of them seriously.
Senior Public Prosecutor Claudia Laube said “several” people remain in critical condition.
According to police, a total of around 80 people were affected by the incident, though its not known if all of those in this group were physically injured.
The areas around Thomaskirchhof and Grimmaische Straße remained cordoned off following the incident as of Tuesday.
READ ALSO: Two dead in Leipzig after car ploughs into pedestrians
What is known about the driver?
According to police, the driver came to a halt and surrendered without resistance. He was arrested at the scene.
“We apprehended the perpetrator inside the vehicle,” said Police Chief René Demmler.
The driver is a 33-year-old German national. Demmler said the man was born in Germany and lives in the Leipzig region.
According to DPA, the man was known to the police prior to the incident, though not for similar offences.
Other German media reported that the man is a boxing coach. He is reported to have been in a state of mental distress during the arrest.
Flowers and candles for the victims in Leipzig. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Hendrik Schmidt
The police believe he acted alone. Following his arrest, they said there was no longer any danger to the public.
The public prosecutor’s office and the Leipzig police headquarters are now investigating the man on charges including two counts of murder and multiple counts of attempted murder.
He was due to appear in court on Tuesday.
Do we know anything about a possible motive?
An official suspected motive is still unclear but authorities believe the act was deliberate.
Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) and Saxony’s Interior Minister Armin Schuster (CDU) have described the incident as an “Amokfahrt” which translates to rampage.
The public prosecutor’s office and police stated on Monday evening that various motives were being investigated.
Based on current findings, investigators do not believe the perpetrator had a political or religious motive.
According to MDR reports, there are indications that the man was recently discharged from a psychiatric ward.
Newspaper WELT said investigators believe it could be linked to a domestic violence motive.
A tip-off hotline (0341 966 46666) and an online reporting portal have been set up to assist with the investigation.
What’s the reaction?
Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer said the incident had shaken him to his core.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families,” he said, “I wish the injured strength and a speedy recovery. An act like this leaves us speechless – and it makes us determined.”
Kretschmer said authorities would do everything in their power to find out why this happened.
He added, “The rule of law will act with the utmost rigour.”
Leipzig’s Mayor Jung said, “We are stunned by what has happened,” adding that he lacked “the right words” to describe the incident.
Jung and Schuster both thanked emergency services for their swift action at the scene.
The car is lifted at the scene in Leipzig. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Willnow
On Tuesday morning the city of Leipzig flew flags on public buildings at half-mast in respect and remembrance of the victims.
Flowers and candles have been laid at the Democracy Bell on Augustusplatz.
A prayer for peace service is scheduled at 5pm on Tuesday at St Nicholas’ Church.
Similar incidents
Germany has faced several car-ramming attacks in recent years.
In December 2024, at least six people were killed and hundreds wounded in a car-ramming attack on the Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg.
There have also been similar attacks in Munich and Berlin.
READ ALSO: Year after car attack, Magdeburg Christmas market to open this week
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: thelocal.de
