Car Plows Into Crowd in Leipzig, Killing at Least Two

LEIPZIG, Germany — A vehicle drove into a crowd of pedestrians on a busy street in Leipzig on Sunday afternoon, killing at least two people and injuring several others, police said.

The incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. local time on Grimmaische Strasse, a central thoroughfare in the city known for its shops and cafes. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after the attack, establishing a large cordon around the area as investigators began their work.

Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the car accelerated through the pedestrian zone. Authorities confirmed two fatalities at the scene, though the final death toll remains under review. Several other individuals were treated for injuries, with some transported to nearby hospitals in critical condition. The number of injured has not been officially released.

Police have not identified the driver or the motive behind the attack. The suspect remains at large, and a manhunt is underway across the region. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the city center and have increased security measures at public locations.

Grimmaische Strasse has been closed to traffic and pedestrians as forensic teams examine the vehicle and the surrounding area. The car, which appears to have been used as a weapon, remains at the scene under police guard. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses to reconstruct the events leading up to the incident.

Local officials have condemned the violence. The mayor of Leipzig called the attack a "tragic event" and expressed condolences to the families of the victims. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has been briefed on the situation, and federal security agencies are assisting in the investigation.

The attack comes amid heightened security concerns in Germany following a series of incidents in recent months. However, no group has claimed responsibility for the Leipzig attack, and authorities have not indicated whether the incident is linked to terrorism or criminal activity.

As of Sunday evening, the investigation remains in its early stages. Police have not released the identity of the driver or any details regarding the suspect’s background. Questions remain about the circumstances surrounding the attack, including whether the driver acted alone or was part of a larger plot.

Authorities are expected to hold a press conference later today to provide updates on the investigation and the condition of the injured. Families of the victims have been notified, and support services are being made available to those affected by the tragedy.

The incident has sparked concern across the country, with officials emphasizing the need for vigilance while avoiding panic. Security has been increased at public transport hubs and major landmarks in Leipzig and other German cities.

As the investigation continues, the community in Leipzig mourns the loss of life and awaits answers about what led to the violence on Grimmaische Strasse.