A car plowed into a group of people in Munich on Thursday, injuring at least 20, according to local police. The incident occurred near the city’s central train station, prompting strong police response just one day before the highly anticipated Munich Security Conference.

According to Reuters, the incident occurred around 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) from the security conference venue.

“At least 20 people injured, some seriously and critically,” a spokesperson for Munich police said.

Police secures the area after a car drove into a crowd in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2025, injuring several people. REUTERS/Anja Guder

“One person is lying on the street and a young man has been taken away by the police. People are sitting on the ground, crying and trembling,” a reporter for the local BR broadcaster wrote in a post on X.

Authorities have apprehended the driver of the Mini Cooper, a 24-year-old Afgan national, confirming that he does not pose any ongoing threat. They are now investigating whether the attack was a deliberate act.

Police with a sniffer dog waits near the scene where a car drove into a crowd in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2025, injuring several people. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Local broadcaster BR suggested that those affected may have been participating in a demonstration related to a strike organized by the Verdi union. However, the union itself has stated that it has no information regarding the incident.

Security Concerns Ahead of High-Profile Arrivals

The incident comes at a sensitive time as world leaders prepare to arrive in Munich for the city’s Security Conference, set to begin on Friday. Among the key figures expected are U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, both of whom are scheduled to land later on Thursday.

A pram lies on the road beside a car that drove into a crowd in Munich, Germany, February 13, 2025, injuring several people. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

While authorities have not linked the incident to any security threats, the high-profile nature of the conference raises concerns over potential disruptions.