On Monday, March 3, 2025, a vehicle drove into a crowd in Mannheim, a city in western Germany, resulting in at least one fatality and multiple injuries. The incident occurred amidst the city’s carnival festivities, which attract thousands of participants annually.
According to local media reports, the vehicle, described as a black SUV, accelerated through Paradeplatz towards the Wasserturm at high speed, colliding with numerous pedestrians. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with debris scattered across the area and emergency responders swiftly arriving at the scene.
The Mannheim police have cordoned off the city center and initiated a large-scale operation. Residents have been advised to avoid the area to facilitate emergency services. A police spokesperson stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the incident.
This event has raised concerns due to its similarity to previous attacks in Germany. Notably, in December 2024, an SUV was driven into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, resulting in six deaths and injuring at least 299 individuals. The driver in that case was apprehended at the scene, and authorities described the suspect as an Islamophobe.
Additionally, just a few weeks ago, Munich experienced a car attack where a vehicle was driven into a crowd near the central train station, injuring at least 37 people, including children. The suspect, a 24-year-old Afghan immigrant and asylum seeker, was arrested shortly afterward.
The recent incident in Mannheim has heightened fears among the public, especially given the timing during carnival celebrations. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as investigations continue.
Further details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.