A devastating incident unfolded in Mannheim, Germany, on Monday when a car plowed into a crowd, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The driver has been detained, but authorities are still investigating the possibility of additional suspects, according to a police spokesperson.
As festivities commenced across the Rhineland to celebrate the carnival season, a black SUV reportedly sped from the Paradeplatz square towards the city’s iconic water tower, crashing into a group of revelers. Eyewitnesses described chaos, with debris scattered across the street and tram tracks, surrounded by emergency vehicles and personnel.
Mannheim University Hospital has activated its disaster response plan, preparing for a potential mass casualty situation. Non-essential operations were canceled as medical staff readied to treat the injured.
Located 85 kilometers south of Frankfurt, Mannheim is home to over 300,000 residents. The city has heightened its security measures in light of recent violent attacks, including car rammings in Magdeburg and Munich, and a stabbing incident last May.
In a climate of heightened concern, police are on alert for this year’s carnival parades, particularly following threats circulating on social media from accounts linked to the Islamic State, which have called for attacks on celebrations in Cologne and Nuremberg. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as they investigate this tragic event.
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