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Several Injured After Vehicle Strikes Pedestrians in Berlin
A police officer is among multiple individuals injured after a vehicle collided with pedestrians and a brick wall in Berlin last night. Emergency responders converged on a street in the Gesundbrunnen district of the German capital, near the historic city center, following what the fire department designated a “major incident.” Initial reports indicate a potential mass casualty situation as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision in Berlin.
Emergency Services Respond to Brunnenstrasse Incident
A number of people have been transported to hospital, including at least one person with critical injuries. The Berlin Fire Department stated that the vehicle, believed to be a taxi or ride-hailing vehicle, “unexpectedly swerved from the road onto the sidewalk” after police stopped it for inspection on Wednesday night. It then crashed into a building wall and struck pedestrians on Brunnenstrasse, a main thoroughfare connecting Gesundbrunnen to the city center.
Pedestrian Trapped, Rescue Operation Launched
“One pedestrian was pinned under the vehicle and sustained life-threatening injuries,” a spokesperson for the Berlin Fire Department confirmed. The spokesperson added that law enforcement officers and bystanders successfully freed the pedestrian from the wreckage and provided first aid until paramedics arrived at the scene.
Mass Casualty Incident Declared
It is understood that other individuals also sustained serious injuries in the crash, which occurred at approximately 10 pm Wednesday. The severity of the incident prompted the Berlin Fire Department’s command center to classify it as a “mass casualty incident,” deploying approximately 20 fire service vehicles and 60 personnel, according to reports.
Officer Among Those Requiring Medical Attention
Further details regarding the pedestrian who was trapped, including their gender or age, remain undisclosed. A police officer sustained less severe injuries, requiring medical treatment at the scene alongside other civilians.
Hospitalizations Confirmed, Investigation Underway
Four individuals, including the pedestrian, have been admitted to hospital for treatment. The fire brigade released a statement confirming that: “All rescue operations were coordinated by a senior emergency physician and a chief of the rescue service. The vehicle, the building, and the surrounding area were examined, and fire safety was ensured. No further technical actions were required.”
Police Investigate Berlin Vehicle Incident
Police have taken charge of the investigation into Wednesday’s incident. The current status of any arrests related to the crash remains unclear. While there are no indications suggesting a terror-related motive, the event recalls the tragic December 2016 truck attack on the Berlin Christmas market, which resulted in 12 deaths and over 70 injuries.