Police have closed the city centre of Mannheim after a driver rammed a car through a crowd of people, killing one person and injuring several.

Car drives into crowd in Mannheim

A large police operation is underway in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg. In the early afternoon of March 3, a car was driven into a group of people in the city centre, causing one fatality and serious injuries to multiple people. Police have yet to announce further details about the driver and their possible motives, but have already arrested a suspect. 

Since a car was driven into a Weihnachtsmarkt in Magdeburg, Brandenburg, shortly before the Christmas holidays last year, there have been several similar attacks across the country. The latest incident, on February 13, saw a mother and child hit and killed while taking part in a ver.di public sector strike demonstration in Munich.

Locals should avoid central Mannheim

Until the large security operation is complete, police spokesperson Stefan Wilhelm recommends that locals “avoid the inner city area”.

A “life-threatening situation” warning has been issued via the warning service Katwarn, and authorities recommend staying inside until the warning is withdrawn.

Thumb image credit: Heiko Kueverling / Shutterstock.com