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HARRY Kane has expressed his condolences following the heartbreaking Christmas attack in Magdeburg, which has so far resulted in two fatalities.
At least 68 individuals were reported injured in the Magdeburg incident, with around 15 in critical condition after a car drove into unsuspecting holiday revelers.
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English football star Harry Kane, who currently plays for Bayern Munich, shared his heartfelt sorrow in a post on X.
He stated: “Learning about the tragedy in Magdeburg reminds me of the important things in life, and during such moments, football becomes secondary.
“My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to everyone affected by this dreadful event.”
Kane, 30, lives with his family by the River Isar near Munich.
This region is often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Bavaria.”
Following the incident, the football club in Munich decided to cancel a scheduled Christmas event that was supposed to take place after their match against RB Leipzig yesterday.
Instead, the audience united to sing an emotional rendition of Silent Night, Holy Night alongside a local choir.
Witnesses reported that the driver was traveling at speeds of up to 40 mph when the car first struck individuals at the festive gathering.
Allegedly, he raced through the crowded market for a distance of around 400 meters (1,300 feet) – causing significant devastation.
Authorities are alarmed that the death toll might rise in the coming hours due to the severity of several injuries.
Video footage later revealed the driver of a black BMW being arrested on-site shortly after 7:04 PM local time on Friday.
The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who arrived in Germany in 2006, as per statements by the state’s premier, Reiner Haseloff.
Saudi suspect detained after driving through German Christmas market
Reports indicate that the individual was not known to German officials as an Islamic extremist, according to news from Germany’s DPA news agency.
Mr. Haseloff addressed the press on-site, stating: “We have apprehended the suspect.
“At this time, it seems he acted alone, so we do not consider there to be any additional threat to the city.”
The rationale behind the man’s actions is still unclear.
Initial reports from the German media indicated that 11 individuals had died; however, only two deaths have been verified up to this point.
There are also claims regarding a possible bomb found in the passenger seat of the BMW, following the discovery of a suspicious bag.
In response to rising tensions, the city of Halle has increased security measures at its Christmas market.
A police spokesperson reported that the vehicle drove “through the Christmas market.”
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Witnesses described a scene of blood and decorations scattered across the ground as medical personnel rushed to aid the injured.
The two confirmed fatalities were subsequently confirmed by Mr. Haseloff, while city officials stated that there were a total of 68 injuries.
The vehicle barreled “through the crowd,” leading some individuals to “go over it,” recounted a man who witnessed the crash mere feet away.
Several victims are reported to be in critical condition, as a significant number of emergency services responded on-site.
Tents were quickly set up to treat victims, while hospitals in the area prepared for a “mass casualty event.”
Nearby cities, including Halle, located about 50 miles from Magdeburg, also readied their hospitals to accommodate potential victims.
A special hotline was established for concerned family members seeking information about their loved ones.
Lars Frohmüller, a reporter from German public broadcaster MDR, shared with the BBC: “The scene was absolutely chaotic.
“We could see blood covering the ground, with people huddled together in golden and silver blankets.
“Numerous doctors worked tirelessly to keep casualties warm and assist with their injuries.
“The area was overrun with ambulances, police, and a host of firefighters.”
The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia has condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with Germany and the families of the victims.
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Armed police were deployed throughout the area, and images revealed individuals being carried away on stretchers.
A witness named Nadine recounted that her boyfriend Marco was pulled from her arms when struck by the vehicle.
She shared with Bild: “He was hit and yanked away from my side. It was a scene of horror.
“There was complete silence; no one screamed. The car was silent as it approached.”
Marco sustained injuries to his leg and head, and she expressed concern for her boyfriend’s whereabouts in the hospital: “The uncertainty is overwhelming.”
The organizers of the Christmas market released a message on Instagram, urging everyone to stay away from the vicinity.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that “reports from Magdeburg lead us to fear the worst.” He expressed, “My thoughts are with the victims and their families.
“We stand united with them and the residents of Magdeburg. I extend my gratitude to all the emergency workers during this challenging period.”
Mr. Scholz, along with Interior Minister Nancy Faeser, plans to visit the scene of the incident today.
Robert Habeck, Germany’s vice-chancellor, commented on X: “What terribly tragic news from Magdeburg, where individuals were looking for peace and community during the holiday season.
“My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I applaud all the emergency responders on-site working diligently to assist and uncover the details.”
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed on X: “I am horrified by the dreadful attack in Magdeburg tonight.
“My thoughts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected. We stand with the German people.”
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