A tragic incident unfolded in the western German city of Mannheim on Monday, as a vehicle drove into a crowded pedestrian area, killing two people and injuring ten others. The victims, identified as an 83-year-old woman and a 54-year-old man, succumbed to their injuries, while five other individuals sustained serious wounds, and another five suffered minor injuries.
Authorities have arrested a 40-year-old German man, who is suspected to have acted alone. Investigators have ruled out extremist motives but have indicated that the suspect, a landscape gardener, showed “concrete indications of mental illness.” The man was injured after shooting himself with a gun loaded with blanks and is currently in hospital in a stable condition.
The attack occurred at approximately 12:15 local time (11:15 GMT) on Planken shopping street, a busy area in the city center. CCTV footage showed a black Ford hatchback speeding down the street before crashing. The car, which sustained heavy front-end damage, was later inspected by the police.
Thomas Strobl, Baden-Württemberg’s interior minister, condemned the attack, stating that the suspect used his vehicle “as a weapon.” While this incident occurred during the Easter carnival period, investigators have found no evidence linking the attack to the festivities.
Mannheim’s mayor, Christian Specht, described the event as “abhorrent and inhumane,” extending his condolences to the victims’ families and expressing solidarity with those injured. Outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz also conveyed his sympathies, thanking emergency responders and urging eyewitnesses to seek support in processing the traumatic experience.
As a result of the attack, authorities have closed a local market and canceled carnival events in Mannheim and nearby suburbs, including Feudenheim, Neckarau, and Sandhofen.
Germany has witnessed multiple violent attacks in recent months, including a fatal knife attack in Mannheim nine months ago and a deadly car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg in December. These incidents have raised concerns over public safety, prompting increased security measures at large gatherings.
The Mannheim police continue to investigate the case, pursuing charges of murder and attempted murder against the suspect. Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.
