On August 30, 2024, at approximately 19:40 local time, a 32-year-old German woman carried out a knife attack on a bus in Siegen, Germany, injuring six people. The bus, carrying about 40 passengers, was en route to a festival celebrating Siegen’s 800th anniversary. Of the six victims, aged between 16 and 30, three remain in critical condition, while three others have been discharged from the hospital.The suspect, who is known to the police for previous drug-related offenses, was quickly apprehended. Authorities have emphasized that there is no evidence suggesting this was a terrorist attack. Reports indicate that the woman may have been suffering from mental health issues or was under the influence of drugs or alcohol.The bus driver’s quick response, stopping the vehicle and opening all doors, allowed passengers to quickly exit and may have prevented further harm. More than 30 passengers were treated by emergency responders and counselors after the attack.This incident comes just a week after a similar attack in Solingen, where a 26-year-old Syrian man killed three people and injured eight others. The Solingen attack has prompted plans to tighten knife laws and make deportations easier.Despite the attack, Siegen’s city festival will continue as planned. Mayor Steffen Mues stated, ‘We will not let this incident ruin our celebration. We will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of our guests’. The police have urged citizens not to spread false information on social media, particularly regarding any potential terrorist links.The suspect is expected to appear before a magistrate today. The incident has reignited debates about public safety, mental health issues, and Germany’s knife laws.
Key points
- A 32-year-old German woman attacked six people on a bus in Siegen, Germany, leaving three in critical condition.
- The attack occurred on a bus headed to Siegen’s 800th anniversary festival.
- Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive, suggesting possible mental health or substance abuse issues.
- The incident has reignited debates about public safety and knife laws in Germany.
Contradictions👾Some sources report five people injured, while others report six.
This discrepancy might be due to updates in victim count as the situation developed.