A car accident near a central subway station in Stuttgart left several people injured on Saturday afternoon after a Mercedes SUV drove into a group of pedestrians. The incident happened close to an above-ground transit hub in the heart of the city. Local police reported that some victims sustained serious injuries.
The driver, who was immediately arrested at the scene, is now in custody. Witnesses are being questioned to understand what led to the crash. Police say there is no sign that the incident was an intentional attack.
Emergency Response and Investigation Underway
Emergency services, including paramedics, firefighters, and police, arrived quickly. The area around the subway station was cordoned off. Forensic teams began gathering evidence while transit authorities suspended subway services through the affected zone.
Photos from the site showed blankets, gloves, and personal items lying near the black Mercedes SUV, which had visible damage. Forensic markings covered the pavement where the car came to a stop.
The Stuttgart Police posted on X (formerly Twitter) that current evidence points to a tragic traffic accident. Investigators are still checking surveillance footage and reviewing vehicle data.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Chaos
Several people who were nearby when the car struck the crowd said it happened suddenly. “There was a loud noise, then people started screaming and running,” said one witness. “I saw someone lying on the ground not moving.”
Others described a chaotic scene, with first responders rushing to treat the injured and guide bystanders away from the area. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” another witness added. “It was scary and confusing.”
Germany’s Troubling History of Vehicle Incidents
Although Saturday’s incident appears to be accidental, Germany has experienced multiple cases of cars ramming into crowds—some of them deadly.
In February 2025, a car drove into a labor union demonstration in Munich, killing two people and injuring 39 others. Authorities arrested a 24-year-old Afghan man and said he may have had extremist motives.
In December 2024, a car hit a crowd at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, killing five people and hurting over 200. That case also led to widespread concern about public safety at major events.
Earlier, in June 2022, a 29-year-old man with German-Armenian roots drove a vehicle into a crowd near Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm, resulting in one death and dozens of injuries. Officials later cited mental health issues in that case.
These past incidents have sparked national debates over street safety and mental health, as well as the need for tighter vehicle access near pedestrian zones and large gatherings.
Police Urge Patience as Investigation Continues
Authorities in Stuttgart have asked the public not to jump to conclusions. They said all facts must be reviewed before a final report is shared.
“We are working with full force to understand exactly what happened,” a police spokesperson said. “Our current information suggests a traffic mishap, not a planned act.”
Subway services through the downtown station remain suspended. Commuters are advised to use alternate routes and stay updated through official transport channels.
City officials say they are reviewing possible steps to make busy transit hubs safer, including placing more barriers and reviewing traffic flow near pedestrian areas.
In the meantime, many residents have expressed shock but also gratitude for the quick response by emergency crews. “We’re lucky this wasn’t worse,” said one commuter who narrowly avoided the crash. “But it’s still a wake-up call.”