A truck has driven into a crowd at a Berlin Christmas market, killing at least 12 people and injuring more than 50.
Early reports claimed a semi-trailer crashed into stalls outside the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial church in the city’s west.
Police are unable to say if the event was a deliberate attempt to kill and injure people in the German city, but one person has been arrested. The passenger of the truck died at the scene.
The US state department had issued a travel warning in November noting that it had “credible information” of terror attacks at Christmas and holiday events, including Christmas markets.
The mayor of Berlin Steffen Seibert, tweeted: “We are in mourning for the dead and hope that the many injured can get help.”
The night market and surrounding area is a popular tourist attraction – it is unclear if any New Zealanders have been injured in the incident.
However, a NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson says the New Zealand Embassy in Berlin is working with local authorities to determine if any Kiwi’s have been involved. There are currently 360 New Zealanders registered on SafeTravel as being in Germany.
“New Zealanders currently in Berlin are advised to stay away from the immediate vicinity, follow the advice of the local authorities, monitor the media to keep up to date with developments and get in touch with family in New Zealand to confirm their well-being,” the statement says.
This advice can be found on www.safetravel.govt.nz and has been sent to all Kiwi SafeTravel registrants in Germany.
MFAT advises anyone with concerns about friends or family to try and contact them directly in the first instance. If you’re unable to make contact with them and still hold concerns for their well-being you can contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on (04) 439 8000.
Facebook has set up a Safety Check In page for people in the area to use to communicate with friends and family.
A local photographer has shared recent images of the market on Twitter.
More to come…
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