A car drove into a group of pedestrians near an above-ground subway station in downtown Stuttgart on Saturday afternoon, injuring several people. Police said some of the victims suffered serious injuries, though no deaths have been reported.
The vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz sedan, jumped the curb outside the busy station area and struck people walking along the street. The incident happened around 2:30 p.m. local time.
Emergency crews and law enforcement rushed to the scene within minutes. Paramedics provided first aid on-site before transporting the injured to nearby hospitals.
Driver Arrested; Incident Deemed Accidental
Police confirmed that the driver was arrested immediately after the crash. The suspect, whose identity has not been made public, was taken into custody without resistance.
“All current signs point to a tragic traffic accident,” Stuttgart police said in a statement. “We have found no indication that this was a deliberate act.”
Authorities did not share whether the driver was under the influence or experiencing a medical issue. Forensic teams are continuing their investigation.
Subway Line Closed for Investigation
The area surrounding the subway station has been closed off since the incident. Local trains and subway services have been suspended while police collect evidence and speak to witnesses.
Photos from the scene show gloves, blankets, and personal items scattered around the silver vehicle. Investigators used drones and ground cameras to record the crash site for further analysis.
A police spokesperson urged residents to avoid the area and follow public transport updates.
Witnesses Describe Chaos and Fear
Eyewitnesses told local media they heard loud screams followed by the sound of metal hitting pavement. One woman said people were “thrown into the air” by the impact.
“I was just getting off the tram when I heard the crash,” said Lukas Bauer, a 29-year-old office worker. “There was panic. People were crying, trying to help the injured.”
Recent Car Incidents Spark Public Concern
Germany has seen several similar car-related incidents in recent years, leading to heightened public worry. Some were tragic accidents, while others were deliberate attacks.
On February 13, 2025, a car plowed through a labor union rally in Munich, killing two and injuring 39. Police arrested a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker and said he acted with extremist intent.
In December 2024, a car drove into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing five and injuring more than 200. That case is still under investigation.
Back in June 2022, a German-Armenian man crashed into a school group in Berlin, killing one teacher and injuring over 30 people. The driver was later found to be mentally unwell.
These events have raised discussions on street safety, mental health checks for drivers, and vehicle control measures near busy public zones.
German Lawmakers Call for Safety Reforms
Following the latest Stuttgart crash, some German lawmakers are once again urging the government to implement tighter controls in pedestrian-heavy areas.
“We must do more to protect people from both intentional and accidental vehicle threats,” said Green Party member Klara Bruckner. “City planning needs to put safety first.”
Urban safety experts have recommended placing more bollards, speed bumps, and barriers near transport stations and public squares.
Public Reaction and Ongoing Coverage
Citizens across Germany have expressed shock and concern over the Stuttgart crash. Social media users are calling for better traffic control and more mental health screening for drivers.
While the Stuttgart car crash appears to be an accident, it adds to a growing list of vehicle-related tragedies in Germany. As police continue their investigation, questions around road safety and urban design remain front and center. Authorities urge anyone with information or footage to come forward.