Police examine a wrecked car after the fatal crash on March 3. CNN
A tragic incident occurred in Mannheim, Germany, where a car drove into a crowd, killing two people and injuring eleven others. Authorities have confirmed that the attack was intentional but not politically or religiously motivated.
The victims include an 83-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man. Three of the injured, including a child, are receiving critical care at Mannheim University Hospital.
Attacker Identified, Investigation Underway
Police identified the suspect as a 40-year-old German man from Rhineland-Palatinate. Officers arrested him after an intense search in the city center. Investigators believe he may suffer from a psychological illness. Authorities also searched his home to gather more evidence.
Mannheim's mayor, Christian Specht, condemned the attack, calling it "inhumane" and expressing deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
Witnesses Describe the Shocking Scene
People who saw the attack described a horrifying moment. Mikla Cela, who works at a restaurant in the area, said he saw a black car speeding past before hearing screams. He later saw a man in a white jacket lying on the ground.
Another witness, Ferry Overdevest, said about 30 people rushed into his flower shop for safety while ambulances arrived outside.
Growing Concerns Over Vehicle Attacks in Germany
Germany has seen several similar attacks in recent months. In December, a car crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing six people, including a child. The attacker, a 50-year-old Saudi citizen, had been living in Germany for years.
In February, a Mini Cooper plowed into demonstrators in Munich, killing a mother and her child and injuring more than 30 others. The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan man, carried out the attack just before Germany’s federal election.
Security Measures Increased
Monday’s attack in Mannheim happened during “Rose Monday,” a major carnival event leading up to Lent. Police had already heightened security for the celebrations, but the incident has led to even stricter measures.
Authorities in Ulm, a city southeast of Mannheim, have increased their presence at public events to prevent further attacks.
