By Tablet Staff

German authorities are calling the tragedy of a car plowing through a Christmas market on Friday, Dec. 20, a mass casualty event.

Some early reports have as many as 11 people dead and at least 80 injured in the eastern German town of Magdeburg. Authorities are investigating the incident as a suspected targeted attack after arresting the driver.

Video footage of the event captured the harrowing moment a black car sped through the narrow market lane, hitting pedestrians and sending holiday shoppers running for cover. Some dived into market stalls, while others fled in panic. Bodies and debris were left scattered as the vehicle attempted to speed away from the scene.

Local authorities confirmed the arrest of the suspect, and the area has been cordoned off due to concerns that the vehicle may contain an explosive device, as reported by public broadcaster MDR. Extensive police operations are ongoing, and the market remains closed as investigations continue.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz shared his condolences, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.” 

Reiner Haseloff, the Prime Minister of Saxony-Anhalt, described the attack as a “terrible event, especially now in the days before Christmas.”

This incident recalls the 2016 Berlin attack, in which a truck was driven into a Christmas market, killing 13 and injuring dozens. Magdeburg, the capital of Saxony-Anhalt, is located about 100 miles west of Berlin.

The attack has raised concerns about the recurring threat of vehicle-ramming attacks. U.S. law enforcement officials have warned about such tactics, especially during high-profile events like New Year’s Eve. A recent threat assessment highlighted the risk of such attacks in places like New York City’s Times Square.

This is a developing story.