Magdeburg: Seven Indian nationals were injured in a car assault at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday. Of these, three have already been released from the hospital, while the Indian Embassy is closely monitoring the condition of the remaining victims, according to sources.
The attack, which shocked the world, involved a car intentionally driving into a crowd at the crowded Christmas market. At least five people were killed in the incident, including an adult and a young child, as confirmed by Saxony-Anhalt's Prime Minister, Reiner Haselof. The incident also resulted in 68 people being injured, with 15 sustaining serious injuries, 37 injured moderately, and 16 suffering minor wounds.
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In his statement, Haseloff confirmed that the suspect was a Saudi national who had been living in Germany since 2006 and was employed as a doctor. "We are currently in the process of compiling all further data and also carrying out the interrogation. According to the current information, it is an individual perpetrator, so there is no longer any danger to the city because we were able to arrest him," Haseloff said in a televised address.
World leaders mourn attack
World leaders expressed their horror and sorrow over the attack, offering condolences and expressing solidarity with the victims and their families. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed his support for Germany, saying on X, "I am horrified by the atrocious attack in Magdeburg tonight. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the people of Germany."
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed similar sentiments, stating, "Deeply shocked by the horror that struck the Magdeburg Christmas market in Germany this evening. My thoughts are with the victims, the injured, and their loved ones. France shares the pain of the German people and expresses its full solidarity."
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the attack, emphasising the need to reject violence. She stated, "I am deeply shocked by the brutal attack on the defenseless crowd at the Christmas market in Magdeburg. I stand with the entire government, the families of the victims, the injured, and all the German people. Violence must have no place in our democracies."
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also offered her condolences, saying, "My thoughts today are with the victims of the brutal and cowardly act in Magdeburg. My condolences go out to the family and friends, my thanks to the police and rescue workers. This act of violence must be investigated and severely punished."
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called the incident "deeply shocking" and commended the emergency services for their swift response. "This news from Magdeburg is deeply shocking. The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives. All our thoughts are with the victims and their families," Faeser said.
Authorities have assured the public that the suspect, believed to have acted alone, is in custody. Security forces are continuing their investigations to determine the motive behind the attack, with officials stating there is currently no evidence of additional threats.
The Indian Embassy in Germany, in collaboration with local authorities, is working to ensure that the injured Indian nationals receive the necessary medical attention and support.
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Published: 22 Dec 2024, 07:58 am IST
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