MARCH 27, 2025 – A devastating scene unfolded in Berlin, Germany late Wednesday night when a car barreled into a group of pedestrians, leaving at least one person clinging to life and a police officer among the injured. The horrific crash, which took place around 10pm in the bustling Gesundbrunnen district near the city’s historic heart, saw the vehicle plow through the crowd before slamming into a building. Emergency services swarmed the area, with the Berlin Fire Department declaring it a “mass casualty incident” due to the scale of the carnage.
Reports indicate multiple victims suffered severe injuries, though exact numbers remain unclear as authorities scramble to respond. The fire department mobilized an overwhelming force—roughly 20 fire engines and 60 firefighters—underscoring the gravity of the situation. A police officer was also hurt, adding to the chaos of a night that shattered the city’s calm. As of early Thursday, March 27, 2025, officials have not confirmed the total casualty count, but the outlook is grim.
Investigators are racing to determine the cause, with no evidence yet suggesting terrorism, despite Berlin’s haunting memory of the 2016 Christmas market attack that claimed 12 lives. That incident, where a lorry was deliberately driven into revelers, looms large, but police have so far given no indication this crash was intentional. Witnesses described a frantic scene as bystanders fled and first responders battled to save the wounded. The driver’s identity and condition remain undisclosed, leaving more questions than answers in the pre-dawn hours.
For Berliners, the incident is a stark reminder of vulnerability in a city that’s no stranger to tragedy. Roads around Gesundbrunnen remain sealed off as the investigation unfolds, casting a pall over a neighborhood known for its vibrancy. Authorities have urged the public to stay clear while they piece together this latest disaster to strike Germany’s capital.
Keywords: Berlin, car crash, mass casualty incident, Gesundbrunnen, pedestrians, police officer injured, fire department, investigation, 2016 attack, emergency response
