German Christmas market attack death toll rises to 5, over 200 injured

German authorities confirmed that the death toll from the attack on a Christmas market in Magdeburg, eastern Germany, has risen to five, with over 200 injured.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the incident as a “terrible tragedy” during his visit to the site, according to AFP.

The attack unfolded when a car drove into a crowd at the Christmas market near the town hall, resulting in two immediate fatalities, including a child, and dozens of injuries.

Saxony-Anhalt Governor Reiner Haseloff announced that a Saudi man had been detained in connection with the incident, which took place on Friday. The suspect allegedly drove into the crowd deliberately, authorities said.

German officials are treating the ramming as a likely “attack” but have not disclosed further details about the suspect’s motives.