Tragedy in Passau: Two Pedestrians Killed, Several Injured by Truck
An investigation is underway after a truck veered off the road into a group of pedestrians in the German town of Passau, killing a woman and her young daughter and leaving others injured.
Jamie Bailey
- 2023-12-29
- Updated 03:09 PM ET
(NewsNibs) - The incident occurred around 9:50 AM when a 63-year-old truck driver, making a routine delivery, drove onto a sidewalk to bypass a stopped bus, striking a group of pedestrians. A woman and her 11-year-old daughter were killed, with the mother dying at the scene and the daughter later in a hospital. Her 9-year-old son and two other women were also injured. The 70-year-old woman is said to be seriously injured, while a 45-year-old woman suffered minor injuries. Emergency services airlifted the injured to a hospital for treatment.
Driver Detained and Injured
The truck driver was among the injured and received medical assistance before being detained by authorities. Despite initial speculations on social media, police dismissed the idea that the driver had deliberate intentions, affirming it was an accident. A police spokesman reported the driver's sobriety could not be immediately confirmed. An in-depth investigation is taking place to determine whether the accident resulted from driver error or a malfunction with the truck, which has been taken for inspection.
Community Response and Investigation
As the local community struggles to come to terms with the shock, Bavaria's Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann reiterated the police's stance, stating there is no evidence suggesting an attempt at murder or a politically motivated act. The Mayor of Passau, Jürgen Dupper, addressed the tragedy with deep sadness, offering his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. The town, home to nearly 50,000 residents and located close to the Austrian border, had the area of the incident cordoned off while emergency services, including police and fire departments, attended the scene.
The incident in Passau has resonated with the community, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes to the victims. As authorities work to uncover the details leading to the tragedy, they ask the public for patience and refrain from speculation. The focus remains on supporting the injured and the families affected, as they navigate the aftermath of this unforeseen event.
