Two dead and dozens injured after car ploughs into crowd in Leipzig
Two people have died and several others were injured after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern German city of Leipzig on Monday afternoon, authorities have confirmed.
The incident happened in the busy central shopping district around Grimmaische Straße and Augustusplatz, sending shockwaves through the city.
Local police said a vehicle struck multiple pedestrians before continuing through the area and eventually stopping after crashing near bollards.
Authorities confirmed that a 33-year-old German man was arrested at the scene shortly after the incident.
Officials say the suspect is currently being investigated for murder and attempted murder.
At least 22 people were injured in the attack, including three who sustained serious injuries.
Leipzig Mayor Burkhard Jung expressed shock over the tragedy, confirming the deaths and describing the incident as a horrifying act of violence.
“We are utterly stunned by what has happened,” Jung said.
“A man drove at high speed into the shopping area. We are currently mourning two deaths, three seriously injured people and many others who have been hurt.”
He added that authorities are still working to determine the suspect’s motive.
Police spokesperson Susanne Luebcke said the incident began at approximately 17:35 local time when the driver allegedly crossed Augustusplatz before speeding into Grimmaische Street.
“We are talking about a case of violent rampage,” she said.
“We currently believe this was the act of a lone perpetrator and have no indication there is an ongoing threat to public safety.”
The public prosecutor’s office later identified the victims as a 63-year-old woman and a 77-year-old man, both German nationals.
Officials also stated that early investigations show no evidence suggesting a political or religious motive.
Michael Kretschmer, the premier of Saxony, where Leipzig is located, said the suspect reportedly has a history of mental illness.
While investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities have urged the public not to speculate until more facts are established.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as the vehicle sped through the pedestrian area.
One witness, identified only as Susi, told Radio Leipzig that she was sitting with a friend on a bench when they heard a loud bang.
“We heard a loud crash, and the car was going really fast,” she said.
She and her friend quickly ran into a nearby jewellery store for safety.
When they later emerged, they reportedly saw several injured people lying on the ground.
Another witness told local media that the vehicle finally stopped after hitting bollards, and a woman was seen falling from the roof of the car.
Passersby immediately rushed to help victims while others reportedly tried to restrain the driver.
Around 15 people allegedly surrounded the vehicle and attempted to drag the suspect out through an open window before police arrived.
Authorities later secured the suspect using cable ties before formally arresting him.
Germany has experienced several deadly vehicle attacks in recent years, increasing public concern around crowd safety and security in public spaces.
In December 2024, at least six people were killed and hundreds injured after a vehicle rammed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg.
A similar incident also occurred in Munich in February last year, when at least 30 people were injured after a driver targeted a crowd shortly before Germany’s federal elections.
Monday’s tragedy in Leipzig has once again renewed debate over public safety, mental health interventions and urban security measures.
Investigations remain ongoing as Germany mourns another deadly incident involving a vehicle attack.
