A violent knife attack at a busy railway station in Hamburg resulted in eighteen injuries, prompting an arrest of a 39-year-old woman believed to have mental health issues. Authorities confirmed that four victims remain in critical condition.
Knife Attack at Hamburg Railway Station Leaves Eighteen Injured
Knife Attack at Hamburg Railway Station Leaves Eighteen Injured
Authorities report a stabbing incident at Hamburg's central station, with mental illness suspected in the suspect's motive.
Eighteen individuals were injured during a knife attack at the central railway station in Hamburg, Germany, on Friday evening. The police reported that the incident occurred around 18:00 local time, leading to the immediate arrest of a 39-year-old German woman on-site. A spokesperson for the Hamburg police confirmed that of the eighteen victims, four sustained life-threatening injuries, although they were reported to be in stable condition as of Saturday.
The suspect, who appeared to show signs of mental illness, began her assault on random passengers waiting for trains between platforms 13 and 14, a high-traffic area accessible via a major road. Eyewitness accounts indicated that the attack was swiftly curtailed by two bystanders and emergency responders.
Victims of various ages, ranging from 19 to 85, were recorded - seven sustained minor injuries, seven faced serious injuries, and four were critically hurt, including a 24-year-old woman, a 24-year-old man, a 52-year-old woman, and an 85-year-old woman. Their conditions have stabilized since the incident.
Despite initial fears, police emphasized there is no evidence to suggest a political motive was behind the attack. Ongoing investigations confirmed the attacker was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the event. The situation has drawn a response from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who labeled the incident as "shocking" and commended the rapid action of the emergency services.
The incident has sparked anxiety in light of recent violent acts throughout Germany, including a series of stabbings in public spaces and a tragic vehicle attack at a Christmas market that claimed multiple lives. These occurrences have reignited discussions on immigration policy within the country, especially as several past attackers were identified as migrants, prompting calls for stricter border controls.
