Vehicle Drives into Crowd at Berlin CSD – One Dead, Several Injured
Berlin, July 25 – The Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations in Berlin ended abruptly on Friday evening after a vehicle drove into a crowd in the Tiergarten, near the main stage. The incident resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, leading to the evacuation of the event.
Police reported that a vehicle entered the Tiergarten, striking and injuring several individuals. “One person died on the scene after resuscitation attempts,” a police spokesperson stated. Additionally, 14 other individuals are receiving treatment from emergency services. “We are intensively searching for suspects,” the spokesperson added, confirming that a police helicopter is involved in the search.
The incident occurred around 10:00 PM. The driver, operating a “white, small delivery vehicle,” sped through the Tiergarten at high speed. The driver crashed the vehicle during the escape, then exited the car and fled on foot. Images circulating online show a white van with significant accident damage, having collided with a tree.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
A helicopter landing pad was established for the seriously injured. Ambulances transported those affected from the Tiergarten to the Reichstag, where helicopters were waiting to airlift them to hospitals. Emergency responders described the situation as a “mass casualty incident.” A fire department spokesperson informed ntv that there were “more than ten injured,” some seriously. Over 150 personnel from the Berlin fire department were deployed to the scene.
The CSD organizer and police initiated an evacuation of the area in front of the stage near the Brandenburg Gate “due to a difficult situation.” Participants were urged to “calmly and orderly” return home, as announced by the organizers on their social media channels. “Please avoid the Siegessäule and the Tiergarten.”
Hundreds of Thousands Celebrated CSD
Earlier, hundreds of thousands of people had gathered in the capital to celebrate the CSD, which for the first time was scheduled to span two days. Under the motto “Attitude is hot,” a massive demonstration parade moved through the city center. The police had reported a positive assessment of the event until the afternoon. The continuation of the festival on Saturday remains uncertain.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances and motive behind the driver’s actions. The police have not yet released any information regarding the identity of the driver or potential suspects. The focus remains on apprehending the individual responsible and providing support to the victims and their families.
The incident has cast a somber shadow over what was intended to be a joyous celebration of LGBTQIA+ rights and visibility in Berlin. The community and city officials are now grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, while also emphasizing the importance of solidarity and resilience in the face of such adversity.
Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available from law enforcement and emergency services.
Source: ntv.de
