UPDATING: 12 Dead, 48 Injured by Truck in Christmas Market in Berlin

Being Called Possible Terror Attack 

A truck minutes ago slammed into a popular Christmas market in a public square in Berlin, Germany. Law enforcement officials have yet to determine if it is an act of terrorism or an accident, but preliminary reports say it has the “hallmarks” of a terror attack. At least 50 people have been injured and many are believed dead, CNN reports.

UPDATE I: 3:28 PM EST –
Via BBC News:

Police now say they suspect it was a deliberate attack. Video footage from the scene shows stalls knocked over and people lying injured on the ground.

The driver is on the run, German media report. 

The market is at Breitscheidplatz close to the Kurfuerstendamm, the main shopping street in the city’s west.

A reporter for the Berliner Morgenpost described a “gruesome scene”.

UPDATE II: 3:41 PM EST –
Police have driver in custody, per MSNBC.

UPDATE III: 8:09 PM EST –
12 dead, 48 injured. Berlin authorities have not officially said if this is an act of terrorism, but others, including President Obama, have.

 

This is a breaking news and developing story. Details may change. This story will be updated, and NCRM will likely publish follow-up stories on this news. Stay tuned and refresh for updates.