Authorities Advise Public to Avoid Mannheim City Center Following Disturbance

In Mannheim, local authorities have issued a warning advising residents and visitors to steer clear of the city center due to a significant police operation. Reports indicate that a driver accelerated into a crowd in the pedestrian zone near Galeria Kaufhof, leaving multiple individuals injured, some of whom are in serious condition.

A news agency correspondent has observed a person lying under a tarp at the incident site, with uncertainty surrounding their condition. Local media outlets have reported that the vehicle traveled from the Wasserturm toward Paradeplatz at high speed, suggesting a chaotic scene.

In response to the incident, the intensive care unit of the university hospital has declared a state of emergency. Initial reports suggest that the driver has been apprehended by law enforcement. Police officers are actively monitoring all roads and bridges leading out of the city, and a helicopter is conducting aerial surveillance.

Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area as investigations continue. A police spokesperson was unable to provide further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident in this Baden-Württemberg city.

According to early accounts, it appears that a black SUV was involved in the incident, which has resulted in numerous injuries and a significant deployment of emergency services in response to the situation.