Rabat – A car crashed into a large crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany this evening, leaving at least two people dead and injuring around 60 to 80 others, AFP reported.
The car drove directly into the crowd near the town hall, and eyewitnesses say it appeared to be a targeted attack.
Police have arrested the driver and authorities are still working to determine the full extent of the damage as well as motive.
Saxony-Anhalt’s governor, Reiner Haseloff, told reporters that the suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who moved to Germany in 2006.
AP News quoted government officials as saying that 15 of the injured sustained serious injuries.
The market was cleared following the incident, and officials are treating the incident as a suspected terror attack, noting a possible explosive may be in the car, according to local media.
Haseloff described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” and a “catastrophe for the city of Magdeburg and for the state, and for German generally as well.”
“It is really one of the worst things one can imagine, particularly in connection with what a Christmas market should bring,” he added.
Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz took to social media platform X to express support for the families and loved ones of the victims, describing the incident as “terrible.” He also thanked emergency responders for their efforts during these “difficult hours.”
