Tragic Incident at Parking Garage: SUV Strikes Family, Injuring Children

Essen, North Rhine-Westphalia - A family outing turned catastrophic on Saturday when a black Mercedes SUV lost control and struck a five-member family at the Allee-Center parking garage in Altenessen. The unfortunate event unfolded around 5:01 PM, prompting an immediate emergency response.

The family, consisting of a father, mother, and their three children aged 7, 13, and 14, were walking together across the parking area when the vehicle veered off course. Witnesses reported a chaotic scene as the SUV collided with the family, resulting in severe injuries to the children.

In the aftermath of the incident, two of the children managed to escape from under the vehicle, but the 13-year-old girl became trapped and required assistance from emergency services. Firefighters utilized specialized lifting equipment to safely extricate her from beneath the SUV.

Both parents were also injured during the collision and were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Details regarding the identity of the 60-year-old female driver of the SUV have not yet been disclosed by authorities, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Emergency responders provided support to witnesses who were present during the distressing event, ensuring that they received the necessary care following the traumatic experience.

This tragic accident has raised concerns about safety in public parking facilities, prompting discussions about the need for enhanced measures to protect pedestrians, especially families with children.