Terror Strikes Munich: 20 Injured in Crowd Incident Ahead of Major Security Conference
At least 20 people were injured, several seriously, when a car veered into a crowd in Munich, Germany, on Thursday, February 13. The incident has raised concerns as the city prepares to host the prominent Munich Security Conference and approaches crucial parliamentary elections on February 23.
Emergency services reported the injuries, with some victims in life-threatening conditions. Bernhard Peschke, a spokesman for the fire service, confirmed that ambulances quickly arrived at the scene where the chaos unfolded.
Local sources indicate that the vehicle involved, a Mini Cooper, crashed into a group of striking workers from the Verdi union, prompting a swift emergency response. Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing moments, describing sights of injury and chaos as people scrambled to safety.
Onlookers reported seeing an individual trapped beneath the vehicle amidst the debris scattered across the scene, including clothing and personal items. Munich police has since stated that the driver has been detained and does not pose any further danger to the public.
Investigators are currently delving into the circumstances of how the crash occurred, with multiple reports suggesting possible police involvement, including the use of firearms. Witnesses described hearing shots fired at the car window as authorities attempted to manage the situation.
The gravity of this incident looms larger given its proximity to the Munich Security Conference, which is set to see high-profile attendees including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. As the city gears up for the conference, the shocking occurrence has sparked a wave of concern regarding public safety and political tensions in the region.
This chaotic event has not only marred the city's preparations for the imminent conference but also casts a shadow over the upcoming parliamentary elections, signaling heightened scrutiny and potential unrest as the populace awaits news regarding the investigation and the affected victims.
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