Knife Attack at Germany Festival Leaves Three Dead

Three people were killed, and four others were seriously injured during a knife attack in Solingen, a city in western Germany, according to police reports.

The attack occurred on Friday evening amid a festival celebrating the city’s 650th anniversary. The suspect remains at large.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene as a man began randomly stabbing passers-by in the city center.

Emergency services quickly responded, treating the injured on-site, while a massive manhunt, including police helicopters, was launched to capture the attacker.

Authorities have cordoned off the Fronhof market area and advised residents to stay indoors as 40 tactical police vehicles, led by SEK (Special Task Force) officers, continue their search. Roads in the area have been blocked to assist in the operation.

Philipp Müller, one of the festival organizers, reported that emergency crews were fighting for the lives of nine individuals, according to the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper.

Müller noted that, despite the panic, people left the square peacefully after the attack.

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An eyewitness, Lars Breitzke, recounted when he noticed a singer on stage with a distressed expression when he realised something was wrong. Moments later, someone collapsed just a meter away from him.

German media reports suggest the attacker deliberately targeted his victims by stabbing them in the neck.

Police spokesman Alexander Kresta indicated that, based on witness accounts, authorities believe the attack was carried out by a single individual.

Solingen Mayor Tim Kurzbach expressed deep sorrow in a Facebook statement, said, “Tonight, all of us in Solingen are in shock, horror, and great sadness. We all wanted to celebrate our city anniversary together, and now we have to mourn the dead and injured. It breaks my heart that an attack has happened in our city.”

The city’s three-day celebration, which was expected to draw 25,000 people each night, has now been cancelled in light of the tragic events.

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Stephen Jesuwale

Jesuwale Stephen is a journalist who finished from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism. He is a distinctive writer, media strategist and also a Digital Marketer