On the evening of May 2, 2025, a tragic accident unfolded in Stuttgart when a luxury Mercedes G-Class vehicle veered off course, crashing into a group of pedestrians at the Olgaeck Stadtbahn stop. The incident resulted in the death of a 46-year-old woman and left seven others injured, sparking an immediate investigation by local authorities.
Witnesses described harrowing scenes as the vehicle, a Mercedes-AMG G63 valued at approximately 200,000 euros, struck the railing of a pedestrian crossing. Eyewitness Bakhtyan Hassan, who works nearby, recounted the chaos: "I saw people lying injured on the ground. There was a stroller on the tracks. It was horrific!" He noted the sound of screams and cries for help as emergency responders arrived swiftly on the scene.
In the aftermath of the accident, the police set up a tip portal for witnesses to upload photos and videos that might help clarify the circumstances surrounding the crash. According to a police spokesperson, specific interest lies in any footage capturing the vehicle just before the collision. The portal can be accessed at bw.hinweisportal.de.
As investigations progressed, authorities confirmed that the driver, a 42-year-old self-made millionaire, had his five-year-old son in the car at the time of the incident. Fortunately, the child was unharmed. The driver, who began selling goods online at the age of 19, was initially detained for questioning but was released shortly after as there were no grounds for detention. Police and prosecutors are currently investigating him for negligent homicide and negligent bodily injury.
Despite the severity of the incident, police have stated there is no evidence to suggest that the crash was intentional or linked to any form of attack. In a statement released on social media, they emphasized that, based on current findings, they believe the incident to be a tragic accident, with no indications of malicious intent. However, they remain vigilant, stating, "We cannot rule out any possibilities, as we cannot read people's minds," highlighting the ongoing nature of the investigation.
According to reports, the vehicle was turning right onto a two-lane road when it veered into the group of pedestrians. Three adults suffered critical injuries, and while the woman who later died in the hospital was initially reported to be in life-threatening condition, the other two adult victims have since stabilized. The remaining injured individuals included five children, all of whom are now reported to be out of danger.
The scene at the accident site has since become a place of mourning, with flowers and candles left in memory of the deceased woman. Local residents have expressed their shock and sorrow, grappling with the impact of such a tragic event in their community. Hassan noted the intersection's dangerous nature, suggesting that the traffic light system, which allows both pedestrians and vehicles to have a green light simultaneously, could be contributing to the frequency of accidents in the area.
Investigators have been meticulously examining the crash site, measuring the vehicle and documenting evidence to determine the exact cause of the accident. The police have not disclosed whether the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, nor if the vehicle was owned by him or was a rental or company car.
As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, with many questioning how such a tragedy could occur. Some residents have called for changes to improve safety at the intersection, while others reflect on the unpredictability of life and the fragility of safety in everyday situations.
As of now, the driver remains free, but the investigation into his actions and the circumstances of the accident continues. The police are urging anyone with additional information to come forward, hoping to piece together the events that led to this devastating incident.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers on the roads and the importance of vigilance, both for drivers and pedestrians alike. As Stuttgart grapples with the aftermath, the community mourns the loss of a life and hopes for swift recovery for those injured.
