Car Drives into Crowd in Munich, Injuring Multiple People

MUNICH, Germany — Several people were injured Thursday morning when a car drove into a group of demonstrators in Munich‘s city center, as the city prepares to host the Munich Security Conference. Police confirmed that the driver was detained at the scene and poses no further danger.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. at the intersection of Dachauer Street and Seidle Street, near the central train station. According to the Bild newspaper, 15 individuals sustained injuries, although no immediate update on their conditions was provided.

A large-scale police operation was initiated in response to the crash, prompting authorities to advise residents to stay away from the area. Police stated on social media that they were working urgently to investigate the situation.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos, with reports of people sitting on the ground in shock. “One person is lying on the street and a young man has been taken away by the police. People are sitting on the ground, crying and trembling,” a local reporter recounted.

The vehicle struck participants of a demonstration organized by the Verdi union, which is advocating for workers’ rights. The union, however, indicated that it had no additional information about the specifics of the crash.

This incident took place just hours before prominent world leaders, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, are scheduled to arrive in Munich for the Security Conference commencing Friday.

Authorities emphasized the heightened security measures in place following a series of violent incidents reported in Germany over recent months. The mayor of Munich described the situation as concerning but reassured the public that law enforcement is taking all necessary precautions.

As investigations continue, police are urging anyone with information or who witnessed the crash to come forward to assist with the inquiry. This remains a developing story, and further details are expected to emerge in the coming hours.