German Christmas Market Attack Leaves 12 Dead

Breitscheidplatz square in 2013. Photo: Arild Vågen

Twelve people were killed and many more were injured on Monday evening when a truck drove through a crowded German Christmas market in central Berlin.  

The truck, which was registered in Poland and filled with steel beams, came to a stop on a sidewalk near the market, leaving a trail of destruction in Breitscheidplatz Square near Kurfürstendamm Boulevard, one of the busiest shopping districts in the German capital. At least 12 people were killed and more than 40 people were sent to nearby hospitals.  

According to reports, police arrested a suspect but say they are unsure he was the driver; a passenger died at the scene.  

The U.S. Department of State had issued a travel alert to U.S. citizens traveling in Europe during the holiday season last month, cautioning tourists to “exercise caution at holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets. U.S. citizens should exercise vigilance when attending large holiday events, visiting tourist sites, using public transportation, and frequenting places of worship, restaurants, hotels, etc.”  

The attack bears a resemblance to July’s Bastille Day attack in Nice, France, when a lorry ran through a crowd, killing 86 people and injuring 200 more, but officials are not sure this is related in any way. 

The incident occured near the Kasier Willhelm Memorial Church.

Travel industry reacts  
Christmas markets are a popular destination for river cruise companies, though it’s not clear if any were in the area or if future sailings will be affected.  

AmaWaterways told TMR it had no sailings in the area and no activities or guests were impacted.  

Avalon Waterways also had no sailings in the area, though it said in a statement that it was “disheartened to get the news of the tragedy in Berlin today” and that its “thoughts are with those affected by this senseless act.” 

Viking River Cruises told TMR that while no Viking guests, crew or itinerary were directly impacted, it was “saddened to learn about the incident on Monday in Berlin, and our hearts go out to the families of those affected…The safety and security of our guests and crew is always our top priority, and we will monitor the situation closely as the investigation develops.”

Berlin Airport has not been affected by the incident, either, as planes are taking off on time.

Some airlines are offering travelers options to return home early.  

British Airways says it is contacting passengers in the city with a range of options, which include flying home early if space is available on flights. EasyJet also is offering travelers in Berlin the option of flying home early.  

Diane Bean, a travel agent with Off On Vacation in Bangor, ME, said that it’s painful anytime there’s terrorism in the world, but this attack hit her hard because it took place in her hometown.  

“I was born in Berlin and lived there as a child and again as an adult. I am so incredibly saddened. My mother called me immediately. My son messaged me. [We’re] all in shock,” she told TMR. “But as a career travel advisor, I will continue business as normal and I am not going to cancel the plans for my European Christmas Market River Cruise in 2017.”  

Bean also noted that this event underscores the importance of travel insurance. “I share the importance of travel protection with all of my clients; I can’t remember the last time one traveled without the purchase of it. Many clients ask my thoughts on buying it and I tell them, if they can afford the loss of their entire trip and possibly a Medivac back to the United States then pass. If they buy it and don’t use it, then consider it money well spent and be thankful you didn’t have the misfortune to need it.”

Christi McGown, an agent with Cruise Planners in Bowling Green, KY, sailing with Avalon this week, reported on Tuesday that she just left the market in Passau about 30 minutes ago. “I’m seeing enhanced security at all of the markets, and I’ve encouraged our group to continue to be aware of our surroundings and step aside if something feels or looks off with the travelers around them.”

But they remain intrepid. “We will visit Nuremberg and Prague later this week,” she said.

We mourn those who died at Breitscheidplatz and our thoughts are with those injured and their loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ekpYJDhw37

— Berlin Airport (@berlinairport) December 20, 2016

There is one Insight Vacation Group in Berlin; the tour directors have advised that all guests are doing well and are enjoying their holidays. All trips are operating as scheduled. There is also a Trafalgar Group arriving tomorrow; they will “review their program,” said Insight Vacations president Phil Cappelli.