White van crashes into crowd near Berlin Pride parade, multiple injured, police search for driver
A white van drove into a crowd near the Tiergarten park during Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade on Saturday evening, injuring multiple people. Police launched a large-scale operation and are searching for the driver, who fled the scene.
Incident details
On Saturday evening, a white van drove at high speed into a crowd gathered for Berlin's Christopher Street Day parade in the Tiergarten park. The vehicle struck multiple people before crashing into a tree, as shown in photographs published by the Berliner Zeitung. Emergency services arrived quickly to treat the injured. Police confirmed "several" casualties but have not provided a precise number, as the situation remains fluid.
The parade, which had been underway since earlier in the day with hundreds of thousands of participants, was concluding along the Straße des 17. Juni, the avenue that cuts through Tiergarten and leads to the Brandenburg Gate. Witnesses described the van as a white vehicle that "ran over a crowd."
We have indications that a vehicle entered Tiergarten park, hit several people, and caused injuries.
Police response
Berlin police declared a large-scale operation, sealing off the Tiergarten area and warning the public to stay away. A media coordination centre was established at Camperplatz. In a social media post, police wrote: "Currently there is a major police operation in the Tiergarten. The area is cordoned off by our emergency services. Please avoid the area and make a wide detour." Authorities immediately launched a manhunt for the driver, who fled. No arrests have been made, and the suspect's identity is unknown.
A media information point has been set up at Camperplatz.
The motive remains unclear.
Witness descriptions
Eyewitnesses provided consistent accounts to German media. One told Bild that a white van sped into the crowd. A report by Der Spiegel noted a "large police operation" that led to the cancellation of the celebration. The Berliner Zeitung released images of a white vehicle severely damaged after hitting a tree.
Parade cancelled
Following the crash, the official Christopher Street Day Instagram account announced the immediate cancellation of all remaining events and asked attendees to return home. The parade, known as CSD, is Germany's largest demonstration for LGBTQ+ rights and tolerance. The sudden end left thousands dispersing from the Tiergarten area under police guidance.
- Hundreds of thousands attend Christopher Street Day parade
- White van drives into crowd in Tiergarten, hits tree
- Police launch large operation, cancel event, search for driver
Investigation ongoing
As of late Saturday night, police continue to search the area and pursue leads. Medical teams are still treating the wounded, and no fatalities have been reported. The Tiergarten remains cordoned off, and further updates are expected as the situation develops.
