CNN cited information from local authorities as saying that the car crash on the evening of December 20 local time killed at least 1 adult and 1 child, seriously injured at least 15 people and affected a total of 68 people in the incident.
Magdeburg is the capital of the state of Saxony-Anhalt, located about 160km west of the capital Berlin.
German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said security agencies were urgently clarifying details related to the attack.
According to Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, the suspect is a 50-year-old man from Saudi Arabia with a permanent residence permit in Germany. He is a doctor working in the state and has lived in Germany since 2006. According to Saxony-Anhalt State Premier Reiner Haseloff, initial information suggests that the suspect acted alone.
The victims with minor injuries were treated at a nearby shopping center, according to public broadcaster MDR. About 100 firefighters and 50 rescue workers were deployed to the scene, according to a statement on the official Facebook page of the city of Magdeburg.
Local police suspect there may be an explosive device in the vehicle, so the entire area has been cordoned off for safety.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is expected to arrive in Magdeburg on December 21. In a statement on December 20, Mr. Scholz expressed his condolences to the victims and their families. The French President and the head of the European Council also sent their deepest condolences to the victims of the incident.
