Two killed after car drives into crowd in German city of Leipzig

Two killed after car drives into crowd in German city of Leipzig
Scene after a car drove into a crowd in the eastern Germany city of Leipzig. Screenshot from video, Leipzig, Germany, 4 May, 2026.
Reuters

At least two people were killed and two others seriously injured on Monday (4 May) after a 33-year-old German man allegedly drove a car into a crowd on a pedestrianised street in the the eastern German city of Leipzig, authorities said. 

The Saxon State Police said a “major police operation” was under way after a car struck several people on Grimmaische Straße.

The driver was later arrested and he is now in custody. Police said there was no further danger to the public.

Police cars at the scene after a car drove into a crowd in Leipzig, Germany, 4 May, 2026.
Reuters

In a statement, officers added that “several people” had been injured and that emergency services had declared a “mass casualty incident”.

“A large number of police officers are on the scene,” the statement said.

Eyewitness reports and scene details

A damaged Volkswagen SUV, with a person on top of the vehicle, was seen speeding through a pedestrian zone, local broadcaster Radio Leipzig reported.

The broadcaster cited eyewitnesses as saying several bodies were covered with sheets, and also reported an alleged stabbing.

Leipzig fire chief Axel Schuh said 22 people were injured, including two in a serious condition. Around 40 firefighters and 40 paramedics were deployed, supported by two helicopters.

A cordon has been put in place around the affected area in the city centre, covering Grimmaische Straße from Augustplatz to St. Thomas Church. 

Emergency services at the scene after a car drove into a crowd in Leipzig, Germany, 4 May, 2026. Screenshot from video.
Rreuters

At approximately 17:35 (15:35 GMT), Radio Leipzig reported that police had declared the danger over and that the area around the square had been cordoned off.

Unverified images circulating on social media showed a yellow emergency helicopter near the scene, along with several ambulances.

Police have appealed for anyone who was on the scene or affected by the incident to provide witness statements.

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