Multiple individuals injured after automotive hits crowd in Leipzig
Multiple people have been injured after a driver plowed into a crowd in the centre of the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday, local broadcaster MDR reported, citing police.
A driver has been arrested, Saxony Police said, after local media reported a damaged Volkswagen SUV with a person on top of the vehicle was seen speeding through a pedestrian zone.
Emergency services have declared a mass casualty incident, and police are on the scene in large numbers.
Leipzig police confirmed to Reuters that there were injuries from a car but could not give more details. Local media has reported two deaths from the incident; these reports remain unconfirmed.
The broadcaster cited eyewitnesses as saying there were several bodies reportedly covered with sheets as well as a stabbing.
Saxony Police said on social media that a police operation was taking place in central Leipzig, asking citizens to keep emergency routes clear and follow the instructions of the emergency services on site.
“A car struck several people in Grimmaische Strasde and fled. The driver has been apprehended, and there is currently no further danger emanating from him. We will continue to provide updates.”
Grimmaische Strasse, leads into central Leipzig’s shopping area. The city is located southwest of Berlin and has more than 630,000 inhabitants, making it one of the biggest cities in eastern Germany.
An eyewitness who works in one of the shops on the affected street told German media outlet FOCUS online that the incident had shocked them.
“I’m still completely shocked”, they said. “From inside the shop, I saw a car speed through. People were run over. That’s all I saw; then it drove out of my sight. The car was going at high speed; it was a larger vehicle. Now the street is full of ambulances and police.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
Source: independent.co.uk
