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Berlin truck crash: 12 dead in 'apparent terrorist attack' at Christmas market – live Berlin truck crash: 12 dead in 'apparent terrorist attack' at Christmas market – live
(35 minutes later)
1.23am GMT
01:23
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet at the moment, although a lot speaks for it.
There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.
1.07am GMT
01:07
Italy’s foreign minister, Angelino Alfano, has said he is “deeply stricken and pained” by the deaths in Berlin, Associated Press reports:
Though German police say it is too early to call whether the incident was intentional, Alfano refers to it as an attack.
In a statement provided by Italy’s foreign ministry, Alfano expresses closeness to Germans “in this sad moment that instead should be of joy and peace in the approach to the Christmas holidays”.
Alfano says such attacks “won’t change our determination to combat terrorism” alongside international partners and in particular Germany, saying the two countries are in strict coordination.
Separately, Italy’s ambassador in Berlin, Pietro Benassi, told Italian state TV that German authorities couldn’t say yet if any foreigners were among the victims.
12.55am GMT12.55am GMT
00:5500:55
Police: 12 people confirmed deadPolice: 12 people confirmed dead
Twelve people are now confirmed to have died, with 48 injured:Twelve people are now confirmed to have died, with 48 injured:
Traurige Gewissheit, heute verloren am #Breitscheidplatz 12 Menschen ihr Leben, 48 liegen, zum Teil schwer verletzt, in Krankenhäusern.Traurige Gewissheit, heute verloren am #Breitscheidplatz 12 Menschen ihr Leben, 48 liegen, zum Teil schwer verletzt, in Krankenhäusern.
12.48am GMT12.48am GMT
00:4800:48
Philip OltermannPhilip Oltermann
By midnight, as streets all around the German capital were still echoing with the sound of sirens, an unreal calm had descended upon Breitscheidplatz square in the heart of Berlin’s central shopping district. Christmas lights were still sparkling, and groups of tourists ambled down the Kurfürstendamm boulevard, seemingly unaware as to why armed police officers were ushering them along.By midnight, as streets all around the German capital were still echoing with the sound of sirens, an unreal calm had descended upon Breitscheidplatz square in the heart of Berlin’s central shopping district. Christmas lights were still sparkling, and groups of tourists ambled down the Kurfürstendamm boulevard, seemingly unaware as to why armed police officers were ushering them along.
The dark-blue truck that had ploughed through the northern edge of the square’s busy Christmas market at around 8pm – killing at least nine and injuring around 50 – was resting lopsided on the pavement, with only its smashed window pane and a mangled Christmas tree beneath the vehicle’s wheels telling of the force of its deadly ride.The dark-blue truck that had ploughed through the northern edge of the square’s busy Christmas market at around 8pm – killing at least nine and injuring around 50 – was resting lopsided on the pavement, with only its smashed window pane and a mangled Christmas tree beneath the vehicle’s wheels telling of the force of its deadly ride.
Berlin’s mayor, Michael Müller, who visited the scene shortly after 9pm, spoke for many in the city when he admitted concerns that his worst nightmare had turned into a reality: “We hope our fears that this is an attack won’t prove true”.Berlin’s mayor, Michael Müller, who visited the scene shortly after 9pm, spoke for many in the city when he admitted concerns that his worst nightmare had turned into a reality: “We hope our fears that this is an attack won’t prove true”.
#Berlin Christmas market #Breitscheidplatz closed off tomorrow. Not decided yet, if other markets open @dwnews pic.twitter.com/XtE7YA5cOY#Berlin Christmas market #Breitscheidplatz closed off tomorrow. Not decided yet, if other markets open @dwnews pic.twitter.com/XtE7YA5cOY
Some of Berlin’s Christmas markets, such as the one on Gendarmenmarkt, have in recent years set up security cordons. Others have banned rucksacks, encouraged stallholders to be more watchful and ordered plain-clothed policemen to mingle with the crowds.Some of Berlin’s Christmas markets, such as the one on Gendarmenmarkt, have in recent years set up security cordons. Others have banned rucksacks, encouraged stallholders to be more watchful and ordered plain-clothed policemen to mingle with the crowds.
But for the market on Breitscheidplatz – encircled by some of the city’s busier multi-lane arteries – that had never been an option. Instead, organisers had tried to make a virtue of the market’s “barrier free” nature, advertising it as the perfect place to drop into after a spot of Christmas shopping. A mini ferris wheel, two carousels and numerous stalls selling sweets were meant to entice children.But for the market on Breitscheidplatz – encircled by some of the city’s busier multi-lane arteries – that had never been an option. Instead, organisers had tried to make a virtue of the market’s “barrier free” nature, advertising it as the perfect place to drop into after a spot of Christmas shopping. A mini ferris wheel, two carousels and numerous stalls selling sweets were meant to entice children.
UpdatedUpdated
at 12.49am GMTat 12.49am GMT
12.32am GMT12.32am GMT
00:3200:32
The German federal president, Joachim Gauck, has issued a statement:The German federal president, Joachim Gauck, has issued a statement:
In my thoughts I am with the victims, with their families and with all those who fear for the safety of their friends and relatives.In my thoughts I am with the victims, with their families and with all those who fear for the safety of their friends and relatives.
I thank the emergency services and the security forces for their hard work.I thank the emergency services and the security forces for their hard work.
12.25am GMT12.25am GMT
00:2500:25
A spokesman for the Berlin police confirmed they have arrested a suspect:A spokesman for the Berlin police confirmed they have arrested a suspect:
We’ve had a description of the driver, who was on the run at first.We’ve had a description of the driver, who was on the run at first.
Because of this description, one suspect could be arrested.Because of this description, one suspect could be arrested.
We are now investigating whether the arrested person is actually the driver of the truck.We are now investigating whether the arrested person is actually the driver of the truck.
The suspect was arrested nearby, a few hundred metres away from the scene of the attack.The suspect was arrested nearby, a few hundred metres away from the scene of the attack.
12.16am GMT12.16am GMT
00:1600:16
Witnesses at the Breitscheidplatz have been speaking of the moment the truck sped into crowds browsing the Christmas market.Witnesses at the Breitscheidplatz have been speaking of the moment the truck sped into crowds browsing the Christmas market.
Australian Trisha O’Neill told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:Australian Trisha O’Neill told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation:
We sat just behind the stall having a mulled wine and then all of a sudden there was a big boom.We sat just behind the stall having a mulled wine and then all of a sudden there was a big boom.
I just saw this huge black truck speeding through the markets crushing so many people and then all the lights went out and everything was destroyed.I just saw this huge black truck speeding through the markets crushing so many people and then all the lights went out and everything was destroyed.
I could hear screaming and then we all froze. Then suddenly people started to move and lift all the wreckage off people, trying to help whoever was there … [there was] blood and bodies everywhere.I could hear screaming and then we all froze. Then suddenly people started to move and lift all the wreckage off people, trying to help whoever was there … [there was] blood and bodies everywhere.
People, including children and older people, weren’t moving. People were crying and I just burst into tears. All the police and ambulances came and we decided to walk away from the streets and go somewhere safe.People, including children and older people, weren’t moving. People were crying and I just burst into tears. All the police and ambulances came and we decided to walk away from the streets and go somewhere safe.
I’m shaking and scared. It all just happened so fast.I’m shaking and scared. It all just happened so fast.
12.01am GMT12.01am GMT
00:0100:01
Germany’s interior minister, Thomas de Maizière, has said he is not yet ready to call the incident at Breitscheidplatz an “attack” but added that there are indications that it was intentional.Germany’s interior minister, Thomas de Maizière, has said he is not yet ready to call the incident at Breitscheidplatz an “attack” but added that there are indications that it was intentional.
He told ARD television:He told ARD television:
I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet at the moment, although a lot speaks for it.I don’t want to use the word ‘attack’ yet at the moment, although a lot speaks for it.
There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.There is a psychological effect in the whole country of the choice of words here, and we want to be very, very cautious and operate close to the actual investigation results, not with speculation.
11.55pm GMT11.55pm GMT
23:5523:55
The Polish company that owns the truck has said its driver is missing. Its transport manager, Lukasz Wasik, told AFP news agency that the driver is 37 years old and had been transporting Thyssen steel products from Italy to Berlin.The Polish company that owns the truck has said its driver is missing. Its transport manager, Lukasz Wasik, told AFP news agency that the driver is 37 years old and had been transporting Thyssen steel products from Italy to Berlin.
The company where he was supposed to unload the products in Berlin was not able to receive them and told him to return on Tuesday morning. They told him to wait in Berlin somewhere.The company where he was supposed to unload the products in Berlin was not able to receive them and told him to return on Tuesday morning. They told him to wait in Berlin somewhere.
We lost contact with him around 3pm local time [2pm GMT]. We don’t know what happened – whether he was taken hostage, killed. We know nothing. We’re very worried about him.We lost contact with him around 3pm local time [2pm GMT]. We don’t know what happened – whether he was taken hostage, killed. We know nothing. We’re very worried about him.
What a tragedy.What a tragedy.
11.39pm GMT11.39pm GMT
23:3923:39
Trump statement blames 'Islamist terrorists'Trump statement blames 'Islamist terrorists'
US president-elect Donald Trump has issued a statement on the events in Berlin, which he calls a “horrifying terror attack”:US president-elect Donald Trump has issued a statement on the events in Berlin, which he calls a “horrifying terror attack”:
Our hearts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victims of today’s horrifying terror attack in Berlin. Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday.Our hearts and prayers are with the loved ones of the victims of today’s horrifying terror attack in Berlin. Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday.
Isis and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad.Isis and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad.
These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners.These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners.
German police have not yet confirmed whether the crash was deliberate, or attributed responsibility, but a White House statement earlier said it “appears to have been a terrorist attack”.German police have not yet confirmed whether the crash was deliberate, or attributed responsibility, but a White House statement earlier said it “appears to have been a terrorist attack”.
11.30pm GMT11.30pm GMT
23:3023:30
Police: 45 wounded taken to hospitalsPolice: 45 wounded taken to hospitals
Rescue work at the site has concluded. The official death toll still stands at nine.Rescue work at the site has concluded. The official death toll still stands at nine.
Police say 45 people have been taken to Berlin hospitals for treatment.Police say 45 people have been taken to Berlin hospitals for treatment.
The fire department @Berliner_Fw endet their rescue work at #Breitscheidplatz. 45 partially heavily injured were brought to Berlin hospitalsThe fire department @Berliner_Fw endet their rescue work at #Breitscheidplatz. 45 partially heavily injured were brought to Berlin hospitals
11.29pm GMT11.29pm GMT
23:2923:29
Police: truck 'stolen in Poland'Police: truck 'stolen in Poland'
Berlin police have said they suspect the truck was stolen from a construction site in Poland. Investigations into what happened to the truck – and its driver – are ongoing.Berlin police have said they suspect the truck was stolen from a construction site in Poland. Investigations into what happened to the truck – and its driver – are ongoing.
They say a suspicious item that was earlier being investigated has been cleared as a sleeping bag,They say a suspicious item that was earlier being investigated has been cleared as a sleeping bag,
11.23pm GMT11.23pm GMT
23:2323:23
What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.27pm GMTat 11.27pm GMT
11.15pm GMT11.15pm GMT
23:1523:15
A number of videos have emerged showing the immediate aftermath of the truck ramming into the crowd at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market.A number of videos have emerged showing the immediate aftermath of the truck ramming into the crowd at the Breitscheidplatz Christmas market.
One 10-minute video, which we’re choosing not to link to, shows bodies lying on the ground and the wreckage of market stalls. People are tending to the injured, with Christmas decorations and lights scattered around them. The person filming the video walks through the market, showing the path of wreckage, then the damaged truck, surrounded by police.One 10-minute video, which we’re choosing not to link to, shows bodies lying on the ground and the wreckage of market stalls. People are tending to the injured, with Christmas decorations and lights scattered around them. The person filming the video walks through the market, showing the path of wreckage, then the damaged truck, surrounded by police.
The 18-wheeler truck, which was towing a large trailer, has a smashed windscreen. The passenger in the truck (it is unknown what role, if any, they had in the incident) died in the crash. Ambulances and police surround the area.The 18-wheeler truck, which was towing a large trailer, has a smashed windscreen. The passenger in the truck (it is unknown what role, if any, they had in the incident) died in the crash. Ambulances and police surround the area.
Scene at the #Berlin Christmas market after semi truck plows into crowd. Several injured. pic.twitter.com/jG2L5uaLJZScene at the #Berlin Christmas market after semi truck plows into crowd. Several injured. pic.twitter.com/jG2L5uaLJZ
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.30pm GMTat 11.30pm GMT
11.04pm GMT11.04pm GMT
23:0423:04
The Berlin police just confirmed that there were steel beams on the “load plattform”, which we believe is a slightly garbled English translation for the truck’s trailer.The Berlin police just confirmed that there were steel beams on the “load plattform”, which we believe is a slightly garbled English translation for the truck’s trailer.
#stateOfTheInvestigationThe truck at #Breitscheidplatz has a Polish license plate. There are steel beams on the load plattform.#stateOfTheInvestigationThe truck at #Breitscheidplatz has a Polish license plate. There are steel beams on the load plattform.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.43pm GMTat 11.43pm GMT
10.58pm GMT10.58pm GMT
22:5822:58
French president François Hollande tweeted his condolences to Germany:French president François Hollande tweeted his condolences to Germany:
“I express my solidarity and compassion to Chancellor Merkel, to the German people and to the families of the victims of Berlin,” he wrote.“I express my solidarity and compassion to Chancellor Merkel, to the German people and to the families of the victims of Berlin,” he wrote.
J'exprime ma solidarité et ma compassion à la Chancelière Merkel, au peuple allemand et aux familles des victimes de Berlin.J'exprime ma solidarité et ma compassion à la Chancelière Merkel, au peuple allemand et aux familles des victimes de Berlin.
10.48pm GMT10.48pm GMT
22:4822:48
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
Mike Fox, a British tourist, has just told the N24 television channel that he had gone to the market and was drinking glühwein (mulled wine) with his girlfriend when the lorry sped towards them. He said he saw nothing that would have prevented it from ploughing into the market.Mike Fox, a British tourist, has just told the N24 television channel that he had gone to the market and was drinking glühwein (mulled wine) with his girlfriend when the lorry sped towards them. He said he saw nothing that would have prevented it from ploughing into the market.
Lorry just ploughed through Christmas market in #berlin. There is no road nearby. People crushed. I am safe. I am safe pic.twitter.com/63iWMmdSKrLorry just ploughed through Christmas market in #berlin. There is no road nearby. People crushed. I am safe. I am safe pic.twitter.com/63iWMmdSKr
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.32pm GMTat 11.32pm GMT
10.42pm GMT10.42pm GMT
22:4222:42
Kate ConnollyKate Connolly
The truck, manufacturer by Scania, is believed to have been loaded with steel when it left Italy for Berlin, which according to transport experts would have made it even more deadly.The truck, manufacturer by Scania, is believed to have been loaded with steel when it left Italy for Berlin, which according to transport experts would have made it even more deadly.
10.36pm GMT10.36pm GMT
22:3622:36
Berlin police tweeted that they have blocked a nearby street to the Breitscheidplatz incident to “check a suspicious item”.Berlin police tweeted that they have blocked a nearby street to the Breitscheidplatz incident to “check a suspicious item”.
The street it is referring to, Rankestrasse, runs directly to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, which is where the truck ran into the Christmas market, leaving at least nine dead.The street it is referring to, Rankestrasse, runs directly to the Kaiser Wilhelm memorial church, which is where the truck ran into the Christmas market, leaving at least nine dead.
Please bypass #Breitscheidplatz spaciously. Our colleagues currently block Rankestr. and check a suspicious item.Please bypass #Breitscheidplatz spaciously. Our colleagues currently block Rankestr. and check a suspicious item.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.44pm GMTat 11.44pm GMT