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Volkmarsen attack: 52 injured after car drives into carnival crowd | Volkmarsen attack: 52 injured after car drives into carnival crowd |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The number of people confirmed as injured after a car ploughed into a carnival crowd in western Germany has risen to 52, police say. | The number of people confirmed as injured after a car ploughed into a carnival crowd in western Germany has risen to 52, police say. |
Eighteen of those hurt in Monday's incident are children. In total 35 people remain in hospital. | Eighteen of those hurt in Monday's incident are children. In total 35 people remain in hospital. |
Frankfurt's general prosecutor's office announced that the victims were aged between two and 85 years old. | |
A 29-year-old German citizen was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in the town of Volkmarsen. | A 29-year-old German citizen was arrested on suspicion of attempted homicide in the town of Volkmarsen. |
The motive is unclear. Planned carnival events are to be held in Hesse state, where the town is located, on Tuesday. | |
A statement by Hesse police said there were no "concrete indications" the risk had increased at these processions, although police warn security arrangements could be reviewed. | |
Police have also arrested a second person for allegedly filming the incident, the statement said. | |
What happened in Volkmarsen? | What happened in Volkmarsen? |
The incident took place during celebrations for Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday - a carnival day celebrated in some parts of Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. | The incident took place during celebrations for Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday - a carnival day celebrated in some parts of Germany, Austria, Belgium and Switzerland. |
A silver Mercedes drove through plastic barricades set up for the parade and into a group of people at about 14:45 local time (13:45 GMT). | A silver Mercedes drove through plastic barricades set up for the parade and into a group of people at about 14:45 local time (13:45 GMT). |
Eyewitnesses told German media that driver had accelerated toward the crowd and appeared to target children. | Eyewitnesses told German media that driver had accelerated toward the crowd and appeared to target children. |
Police said they believed it was an attack but that there was no indication of a political motive, according to Bild newspaper. | Police said they believed it was an attack but that there was no indication of a political motive, according to Bild newspaper. |
The Frankfurt prosecutor's office said the suspect was being treated for injuries sustained in the incident, but would later be brought before an investigating judge. | The Frankfurt prosecutor's office said the suspect was being treated for injuries sustained in the incident, but would later be brought before an investigating judge. |
On Tuesday, authorities dismissed reports that the driver was drunk at the time, although it remains unclear whether he was under the influence of drugs. | |
Steffen Roettger said his two daughters were at the parade and called him after the incident happened. "My 10-year-old was pulled aside and only narrowly avoided being hit," he told broadcaster NTV. | Steffen Roettger said his two daughters were at the parade and called him after the incident happened. "My 10-year-old was pulled aside and only narrowly avoided being hit," he told broadcaster NTV. |
He said his daughter was "in shock" after seeing people "lying around everywhere". | He said his daughter was "in shock" after seeing people "lying around everywhere". |
What has the reaction been? | What has the reaction been? |
Police have set up a portal for people to submit pictures or videos of the incident. They have also created an information centre for anyone affected at the town hall. | Police have set up a portal for people to submit pictures or videos of the incident. They have also created an information centre for anyone affected at the town hall. |
Hesse state leader Volker Bouffier said he was "shocked at the terrible act". | Hesse state leader Volker Bouffier said he was "shocked at the terrible act". |
In a statement, he shared his condolences with the victims and their families, while urging people not to speculate about possible motives. | In a statement, he shared his condolences with the victims and their families, while urging people not to speculate about possible motives. |
German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her thoughts were with those injured and their relatives. | German Chancellor Angela Merkel said her thoughts were with those injured and their relatives. |