A 40-year-old driver rammed his car into a pedestrian area in Mannheim, southwestern Germany, killing one person and injuring several others, authorities confirmed on Monday. The suspect, a German citizen from the nearby state of Rhineland-Palatinate, was arrested at the scene.
The incident occurred around noon in Paradeplatz, a busy downtown area where workers typically gather for lunch. Local reports indicate that a carnival market was underway, drawing more visitors than usual to the city, which has a population of 326,000.
Police Investigate Motive, Rule Out Immediate Threat
Authorities initially investigated the possibility of a second suspect but later stated there was no further danger to the public. However, police have not yet classified the incident as a deliberate attack.
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Mannheim University Hospital confirmed it was treating three victims, including a child, but the total number of injured remains unclear. Other hospitals may have also received patients from the crash.
Germany’s Recent Car-Ramming Attacks
Germany has witnessed several violent car-ramming incidents in recent months. Last month, a two-year-old girl and her mother died after a man drove into a labor union demonstration in Munich. The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker, was reported to have extremist motives.
In late 2024, a deadly attack at a Christmas market in Magdeburg left six dead and over 200 injured. The perpetrator, a 50-year-old doctor originally from Saudi Arabia, had expressed anti-Muslim views and support for far-right ideologies.
Ongoing Investigation in Mannheim
Authorities continue to investigate the Mannheim incident, including the driver’s motive and background. The city center remains heavily policed, with parts of the area cordoned off. Images from the scene show a black car with severe damage, surrounded by law enforcement.
Further updates are expected as authorities gather more details on the case.
