SUV incident in Mannheim: Multiple injuries as crowd hit by high-speed vehicle

Several people were injured when a black SUV plowed into a crowd in Mannheim, Germany, according to reports by local media on Monday.

The incident happened on Planken, the city’s main shopping thoroughfare, causing significant concern among residents.

The SUV, traveling at high speed, moved from Paradeplatz square towards Mannheim’s renowned water tower.

As it went through the busy area, multiple pedestrians were knocked down, with many suffering severe injuries, as reported by the Mannheim24 news site.

German tabloid Bild confirmed the arrest of the vehicle's driver in connection with the incident.

The collision transpired amid celebrations across the region, marking the carnival season, which draws sizable crowds in towns and cities, including those in Germany's Rhineland area.

Authorities, responding rapidly, launched a rescue and relief operation in Mannheim’s city center.

Residents were advised to keep away from the inner areas of the city due to the ongoing large-scale police response, as noted by police spokesman Stefan Wilhelm.

Security concerns hold a high profile in Germany following recent violent attacks. The country has witnessed several car rammings, including ones in Magdeburg in December and Munich last month, as well as a stabbing incident in Mannheim in May 2024.

German police maintained heightened vigilance during carnival parades this year, especially following social media threats linked to the Islamic State group that called for assaults on events in Cologne and Nuremberg.

This event in Mannheim follows closely after a recent car attack in Munich, where a 37-year-old woman and her two-year-old daughter lost their lives. Farhad Noori, an Afghan asylum seeker, was apprehended for that attack.