MANNHEIM, Germany — A speeding SUV plowed into a crowd in downtown Mannheim, Germany, on Sunday, killing two people and injuring 25 others, authorities confirmed. The incident occurred near the city’s historic water tower, prompting a major emergency response.
Eyewitnesses reported that a black SUV accelerated from Paradplatz, a popular tourist area, before crashing into pedestrians. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, and police urged residents to remain indoors while they investigated the cause.
According to *Bild*, 15 of the injured victims are in serious condition. Mannheim police confirmed one fatality initially, with a second death later reported. The driver was arrested at the scene.
Debris from the vehicle was scattered near the Strohmarkt stop. Officials classified the incident as a “life-threatening deployment situation,” and helicopters were deployed to assist emergency personnel.
Police spokesperson Stefan Wilhelm told *n-tv* that authorities responded to the crash at approximately 12:15 p.m. in Paradeplatz, leading to a large-scale security operation. However, he did not provide further details.
It remains unclear whether the crash was accidental or intentional. Videos circulating on social media showed paramedics rushing to assist victims as Mannheim University Hospital declared a disaster alert.
A warning was issued through the Katwarn app, advising residents to avoid the downtown area due to the ongoing police response. The app is used to notify the public about major emergencies, including attacks and natural disasters.
Mannheim, a city of about 300,000 residents located south of Frankfurt, has witnessed growing security concerns following recent violent incidents across Germany.
The crash comes weeks after a fatal car attack in Munich, where a vehicle rammed into a demonstration, killing a mother and her two-year-old child and injuring 28 others. The Bavarian government labeled it a “suspected attack.”
Authorities continue to investigate the Mannheim incident, with additional security measures being considered across Germany in response to recent violent events.
