UPDATE 2 - Injuries as car plows into crowd in German city of Munich

UPDATES WITH DETAILS, STATEMENT BY MUNICH SECURITY CONFERENCE, CHANGES DECK

By Anadolu staff

BERLIN (AA) - A car plowed into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich on Thursday, injuring multiple people, according to local authorities.

The incident occurred in the city center where members of a trade union had gathered for a demonstration. Witnesses described seeing people “crying and shaking” after the vehicle struck the crowd.

Munich police confirmed on X that they detained the driver at the intersection of Dachauer and Seidlstrasse streets after the vehicle struck several people. Police spokesman Thomas Schelshorn confirmed that the driver no longer posed a threat.

According to the Bild newspaper, at least 20 people were injured, with two sustaining serious injuries. Officials have not yet determined whether the incident was accidental or intentional.

The timing of the incident heightened security concerns, as Munich prepares to welcome world leaders and ministers from more than 60 countries for the Munich Security Conference starting Friday.

The incident site is located just 1.5 kilometers from the historic Hotel Bayerischer Hof, the conference's traditional venue.

The Munich Security Conference organizers expressed deep sadness on social media regarding the incident.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their families. The emergency services are at the scene and an investigation is underway to determine the cause of this incident,” the organizers said. “We ask everyone to remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities.”