German Christmas market: Toddler among at least two dead after car ploughs into crowd of people in Magdeburg

At least two people, including a young child, have been killed and dozens more injured after a car ploughed through a popular Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg on Friday night.

The shocking tragedy unfolded at approximately 7pm at the market in the Saxony-Anhalt region, The Mirror reports.

Local reports suggest that the driver of a car, initially reported to be a black BMW, drove directly into a crowd of people in the direction of the town hall. A suspect aged in his 50s was arrested at the scene though the motive for what is understood to be a deliberate attack has not yet been established.

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With more than a dozen seriously injured and at least two dead, including a toddler, the market in Magdeburg was immediately evacuated, with a spokesperson writing on social media: "Due to current events, we would like to point out that you should avoid the Christmas market. Please let the emergency services do their job and leave the market in an orderly manner!"

Authorities have not ruled out additional deaths being confirmed over the coming hours as rescuers scour through the devastation.

The incident comes almost eight years to the day since an attack on a Berlin Christmas market claimed the lives of 13 people and left dozens of others injured.

MAGDEBURG, GERMANY - DECEMBER 20: Police vans and ambulances stand next to the annual Christmas market in the city center following a possible terror incident on December 20, 2024 in Magdeburg, Germany
(Image: Craig Stennett/Getty Images)

Of tonight's suspected attack, Saxony-Anhalt governor Reiner Haseloff said: "This is a terrible event, particularly now in the days before Christmas."

Meanwhile, German chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours."

Tanaiste Micheal Martin condemned the suspected attack, commenting: "Shocked and appalled by the reports of the loss of life and injuries at the Christmas market in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts and prayers go to the victims, their families, the emergency services and the German people.

"Irish citizens in the area should follow the advice of local authorities."

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