At least twelve people were injured—three critically—after a knife-wielding attacker went on a rampage at Hamburg Central Station in Germany on Friday evening, according to local authorities and media reports.
The attack occurred around 18:00 local time (17:00 BST) near platforms 13 and 14, a particularly busy section of the bustling transport hub.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as emergency services rushed to the scene while passengers scrambled for safety.
Hamburg Police confirmed via a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that a suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently in custody.
“According to initial findings, a person allegedly injured several people with a knife in the main station,” the statement read.
A Hamburg fire department spokesperson told AFP that some injuries were life-threatening, and several victims were treated aboard nearby trains before being transported to hospitals.
Images circulating in German media show emergency vehicles and paramedics surrounding the station, with some areas cordoned off by barriers to shield victims from public view.
One photo shows a man being taken away on a stretcher by medics.
Authorities have not yet revealed a motive for the attack, and investigations are ongoing. There is currently no confirmation of whether the incident is terror-related or an isolated act of violence.
Hamburg Central Station is one of Germany’s busiest railway terminals, handling more than 550,000 commuters daily.
The incident happened during the height of Friday rush hour, amplifying the potential risk and panic among travellers.
The station remains partially closed as police continue their investigations and work to restore normal operations.
Officials have urged the public to avoid the area and follow updates from emergency services.
