A van ploughed into a crowd at Berlin’s annual Christopher Street Day Pride event on Saturday night, killing one person and leaving 15 injured – some with life-threatening injuries – before the driver fled on foot, prompting a helicopter search and an intense manhunt by German police. The incident, described by authorities as a ‘mass casualty incident’, occurred around 10pm at Tiergarten Park near the Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds of thousands had gathered for one of Europe’s largest Pride celebrations. More than 40 emergency services personnel swarmed the scene. A Michael Jackson show was underway when a member of the CSD board took the stage and told the audience: ‘Unfortunately, we have to end the event prematurely due to a difficult situation.’ Organisers later urged revellers to ‘leave the premises calmly’ and avoid the Victory Column and Tiergarten, instructing them to head towards the main train station. Police posted on social media: ‘We are searching intensively for suspects.’ The event, held in memory of the Stonewall riots, was cancelled as police sealed off the park. It was not immediately confirmed whether the Pride event had been deliberately targeted.
Separately, a wildfire in the Cairngorms changed direction overnight, forcing police to declare a major incident and evacuate some residents of Nethy Bridge. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continued to battle what residents described as ‘apocalyptic’ scenes. Local people said they were ‘upset, angry and frustrated’ as the flames shifted course, threatening homes. The full extent of the damage remained unclear as crews worked to contain the blaze.
“One dead, 15 hurt after van hits Berlin Pride crowd; Cairngorms wildfire forces evacuations.”