Three people were injured, some of them seriously, after a car drove into a group of pedestrians in downtown Stuttgart on Friday. Authorities say early evidence suggests it was a tragic traffic accident, not an intentional act.
The incident happened at an above-ground subway stop near the heart of the city. Emergency services quickly responded, and police arrested the driver at the scene. The vehicle, a Mercedes SUV, came to a stop near the subway station, where debris and personal items were left scattered on the ground.
Stuttgart Police confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that there were no signs of a deliberate attack. “All indications so far point to a tragic traffic accident,” the statement said.
The area remains cordoned off while investigators, forensic experts, and emergency crews examine the scene. Subway services through the affected area have been suspended. Police have started interviewing witnesses and collecting surveillance footage from nearby buildings.
Photos from the location show plastic gloves, medical blankets, and personal belongings strewn near the SUV, highlighting the chaotic aftermath of the crash.
Context and Recent History
While Friday’s event appears to be accidental, Germany has seen a string of vehicle-related attacks in recent years, raising public concern.
On February 13, 2025, two people were killed and 39 injured when a car plowed into a labor union demonstration in Munich. Authorities arrested a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker and said the crash appeared to be motivated by Islamic extremism.
Another major incident occurred on December 20, 2024, when a car slammed into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg. That attack killed at least five people and left over 200 injured.
In June 2022, a 29-year-old man drove his car into a crowd in Berlin, killing one person and injuring dozens. Police later identified the driver as a German-Armenian national with a history of mental illness.
Ongoing Investigation in Stuttgart
Police in Stuttgart emphasize that the current case does not share the characteristics of these earlier attacks. “There is no evidence of a political or ideological motive at this time,” said a police spokesperson during a press briefing.
Investigators continue to look into what caused the driver to lose control. They have not released any further information about the driver’s identity or condition.
Authorities are urging the public to stay away from the area until the investigation is complete.
Shanzay Hocane is a passionate fashion enthusiast with a keen eye for style and trends. Based in New York, she immerses herself in the world of ramp walks, fashion shows, and celebrity red-carpet moments. With a knack for spotting the next big look, Shanzay shares her insights through vibrant writing, capturing the glamour and creativity of the fashion industry. When not covering haute couture, she enjoys exploring vintage boutiques and sketching her own designs.
