Forensic experts work on a car that was driven into a crowd, in Mannheim, Germany, March 3, 2025.
Image: Reuters / Timm Reichert
Forensic experts work on a car that was driven into a crowd, in Mannheim, Germany, March 3, 2025. Picture: Reuters, Timm Reichert
TWO PEOPLE were killed and several others seriously injured when a car drove into a crowd in the western German city of Mannheim on Monday. The incident, which occurred during a period of heightened security concerns, has prompted an ongoing police investigation.
Authorities confirmed that the driver, a 40-year-old German national from the neighbouring state of Rhineland-Palatinate, was taken into custody at the scene. Police stated that the suspect acted alone and that there is no broader threat to the public.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing multiple individuals lying on the ground in distress, with emergency responders performing resuscitation efforts. Officials have yet to determine whether the act was deliberate or an accident.
The incident comes at a time when Germany is on heightened security alert due to the ongoing carnival season, a major annual celebration in many regions of the country. Although Mannheim had hosted its main festivities on Sunday, carnival events were still taking place elsewhere on Monday.
Concerns over security have been growing following a series of violent incidents in Germany in recent months. These include vehicle attacks in Magdeburg and Munich, as well as a stabbing in Mannheim last May. Authorities had been especially vigilant for potential threats during carnival parades this year, following online calls for attacks from extremist-linked social media accounts.
In light of the incident, German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser cancelled her scheduled appearance at a parade in Cologne, the country’s largest carnival celebration.
Carnival, widely celebrated in Germany’s Catholic regions, sees thousands of revelers take to the streets in colourful costumes, enjoying music, dancing, and elaborate satirical floats. This year’s events featured depictions of global political figures, including US President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky.
The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Monday’s crash and have not yet released further details regarding the driver’s motives.
This is a developing story.
* Additional reporting from Reuters.
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