Two people have been killed after an apparent random attack at a subway station in Hamburg, where an 18-year-old woman was dragged onto train tracks by a man before both were struck by an oncoming train.
German police said the incident took place at Wandsbek Markt station in Hamburg at around 10:07pm on Thursday.
According to investigators, the woman was waiting on the platform when a 25-year-old man approached her and suddenly pulled her onto the tracks. Both were hit by a train passing through the station and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Witnesses told local media that the man had been behaving erratically on the platform shortly before the attack. One bystander reported hearing him speak to the victim moments before the incident.
Police said there is no evidence that the two individuals knew each other.
“According to current information, law enforcement authorities have no indication of any prior relationship between those involved,” a spokesperson said.
Authorities confirmed that the man had entered Germany in mid-2024 under a humanitarian reception programme and held a valid residence permit. He had been living in shared accommodation in Hamburg.
Local media reported that he had been detained and released days earlier following an alleged assault on police officers. Investigators said he also had a history of violent behaviour, though they stressed that inquiries are continuing.
The victim was reported to have been living in temporary accommodation in Schleswig-Holstein after fleeing domestic violence.
Following the incident, the German Red Cross deployed crisis support teams to assist witnesses and passengers who were present at the station. Rail services in the area were suspended for several hours while emergency services and investigators worked at the scene.
Police said they are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and background information to establish the full circumstances surrounding the deaths.