The attack occurred at 7:04 p.m. The driver was arrested shortly after. Initial findings indicate that the vehicle involved in the incident is a dark-colored BMW. Authorities believe there was an explosive device inside the vehicle.
A Magdeburg police spokesperson said: “It is still unclear whether this was a lone perpetrator.''
The attack left between 60 and 80 people injured and at least 11 killed, according to unofficial sources in German media.
Meanwhile, at a press conference on Friday night, Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister Rainer Erich Haseloff announced that at least two people, including a child, had died.
Attack on Magdeburg. Witness account. “People panicked and ran away.”
Citing eyewitness accounts, Bild newspaper wrote: “The car most likely crashed directly into the crowd heading towards City Hall. People were fleeing in panic.”
Fair organizers urged people to stay away from the city centre. Emergency services and the fire brigade are at the scene.
“Police are searching the fenced area of the Christmas market for explosives,” Bild newspaper reported.
Magdeburg. Attack the Christmas market. Organizer's appeal
Immediately after media published information about the attack, security measures were stepped up at the local Christmas market in the German city of Halle, about 80 kilometers from Magdeburg.
“The town's hospital is preparing to receive the injured,” Bild newspaper wrote.
Organizers of the Magdeburg Christmas market called on people to leave the site and the surrounding area.
“In view of current events, we advise you to avoid the Christmas market area. Emergency services are on duty and we ask you to leave the market,” they wrote on social media.
Attack on Magdeburg. Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt comments on this matter
Rainer Haseloff, Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt (CDU), has reacted to the events at the Magdeburg Christmas market.
“This is a terrible thing to happen, especially now, so close to Christmas,” Haseloff said.
He is currently on his way to Magdeburg. Haseloff was initially unable to provide information about the victim or the background of the incident.
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