– Europa Press/Contact/Michael Kuenne
MAGDEBURG (GERMANY), 20 (DPA/EP)
The German city of Magdeburg celebrated at a religious service the victims of the attack on a Christmas market a year ago, which left six dead and hundreds injured.
A chaplain who provides support in crisis situations, a doctor and a woman affected by the attack spoke at the ceremony which marked the start of events in memory of the victims in this city in the east of the country.
In their speeches, they highlighted the solidarity and great desire to help that were felt the night of the incident.
“One thing was clear to us: we are here for each other, we stand united and defend each other. Despite the terrible crime, we will not let Christmas be taken away from us,” the woman said, recalling that everything changed in just one minute and four seconds.
A moment before, the colorful lights, the rides, the children’s bright eyes, the carefreeness and the aromas of mulled wine and cake defined the peaceful scene, he recalls. Then, the attacker’s vehicle drove into the crowd and chaos broke out.
“Those screams are still present in our minds today,” the woman added. He said the city was fortunate that many people at the scene did not hesitate to help, including bystanders, firefighters, nurses, paramedics and doctors.
“My personal thanks to all the rescue personnel,” he stressed.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to attend a commemoration evening with those affected and the victims’ families and deliver a speech. The Prime Minister of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, Reiner Haseloff, is also expected.
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