A chaotic scene unfolded at Hamburg’s central train station during rush hour when a lone attacker wielding a knife stabbed multiple passengers. The incident left 17 people injured, with several in critical condition.
The attack occurred on platforms 13 and 14 around 6 pm local time, according to BBC News, as the station was packed with commuters. Some victims received initial treatment on a train that was stopped at the platform, adding to the confusion and panic.
Hamburg’s fire department reported that 17 people were injured, with many suffering severe wounds. While local police have not confirmed the exact number of injured, they acknowledge it is high, with some cases life-threatening.
Florian Abbenseth, a police spokesperson, identified the suspect as a 39-year-old German woman who was detained at the scene. Authorities believe she acted alone and had no political motivation, suggesting she may have been struggling with mental health issues.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed his condolences for the incident and praised emergency responders for their swift action. Deutsche Bahn, the railway company, closed four platforms and warned of potential delays or route changes due to the incident.
Hamburg’s central station is one of Germany’s busiest transportation hubs, with over 550,000 passengers daily. This attack has sent shockwaves through the community and tourists alike, fueling concerns about public safety in the country. Recent incidents, including a shooting at a public park, a stabbing of a Spanish tourist at a Berlin memorial, and a car ramming into a Christmas market crowd in Magdeburg, have heightened these concerns.