A violent stabbing attack at the bustling Hamburg Central Station in Germany left several people critically injured on Friday evening. Hamburg police said on the social media platform X that a 39-year-old woman was taken into custody as the prime suspect in relation to the heinous attack. The assailant hit unsuspecting travelers on the platform section between tracks 13 and 14, one of the most crowded areas inside the central Hamburg railway station, police said to the local media.

The station, located in downtown Hamburg, is a major transport hub catering to local, regional, and high-speed international train services. The reason for the attack is still not apparent as the investigators question the suspect. Authorities indicated that the woman was believed to have been working alone, and there is no sign of further danger. "So far, we have no evidence that the woman could have acted with political motivation," said Hamburg police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth. "Rather, we have findings based on which we are now investigating in particular whether she may have been in a state of mental distress." German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said in a post on the social media platform X that the news from Hamburg was "shocking." "My thoughts are with the victims and their families," he said.

Several Injuries Reported, Some Critical

Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, as reported by Reuters based on local media. According to the local media reports Hamburg fire department stated that at least six people are in critical condition, three others were seriously injured, and three others had minor injuries. Later, though, the police tweeted on social media platform X (then Twitter) that "no valid figures" were yet known, but confirmed that "several" victims were critically injured. Eyewitnesses said the attack occurred just after 6 PM (local time), in front of a stationary high-speed ICE (InterCity Express) train.

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The national railway operator, Deutsche Bahn, was also deeply concerned about the incident and stated that it was "deeply shocked" by the events. Four tracks within the station were shut down instantly, causing major delays and diversions of long-distance train services. Following the attack, security arrangements in the city's transport system have been put in the spotlight.

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