3 killed in knife attack at festival in Germany

KABUL (Pajhwok): Three people have been killed and four others injured in a knife attack at a festival in Solingen city in Germany, the BBC reported.

The incident occurred during a festival in the city centre on Friday evening. The attacker remains at large.

According to Bild, the assailant randomly targeted passers-by. Authorities have launched a massive manhunt, with police helicopters patrolling the area.

The attack took place at around 10:00pm local time (9:00 PM BST), during celebrations marking Solingen’s 650th anniversary.

City officials urged people to vacate the Fronhof market area as police set up security cordons.

Emergency services have been treating the injured on-site, while roads are blocked and residents are advised to stay indoors.

Festival organiser Philipp Müller reported that emergency crews were fighting to save the lives of nine individuals. “People are shocked, but they left the square peacefully.” Eyewitness Lars Breitzke described a tense moment when he noticed a singer on stage with an unusual expression.

German media indicate that the attacker may have deliberately targeted victims’ necks.

Police spokesman Alexander Kresta said, “We are currently assuming that it was one person after speaking with numerous witnesses.”

sa/mud