Driver smashes car into crowd at Christmas market at Magdeburg in Germany

A driver plowed a car into crowds of people at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, on Friday evening.

The driver is said to be a man from Saudi Arabia born in 1974, according to reporting by WELT, POLITICO’s sister publication in the Axel Springer group. According to the German outlet, he had rented a car that he drove to the Christmas market.

Authorities have not ruled out that a piece of luggage found on the passenger seat could contain an explosive device, WELT also reported.

Police are also investigating whether the driver, who has been taken into custody by law enforcement, acted alone. Magdeburg police shut down the market, citing “extensive police operations” in the area, as images showed dozens of emergency personnel working at the site.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addressed the incident shortly after, saying: “My thoughts are with the victims and their families. We stand by their side and by the side of the people of Magdeburg. My thanks go to the dedicated rescue workers in these anxious hours.”

The incident is set to further roil Germany’s domestic politics in the run-up to a critical snap election on Feb. 23. The conservatives are currently leading in polls, but are followed by the anti-immigrant, far-right AfD, which has surged and is being endorsed by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.

Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck also spoke out about the Magdeburg incident, saying: “What terrible news from Magdeburg , where people wanted to spend the Advent season in peace and community. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. I thank all the emergency services on site who are doing everything they can to help and to clarify the background.”

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock both expressed their shock at the incident, and condolences to the victims and their families.

“The emergency services are doing everything they can to care for the injured and save lives,” Faeser added, saying, “The security authorities will clarify the background.

News agency AFP reported that “60 to 80” people were injured, citing the local rescue service.

This story is being updated.