Man Drives Car into Summer Crowds at Holiday Hotspot in Sopot, Poland – 22 Injured
Twenty-two people have been injured after a driver rammed his car into crowds enjoying a summer evening stroll in Sopot, northern Poland.
At least 16 of the victims needed hospital treatment after the incident around the Monciak pier, one of the busiest tourist spots in the seaside town. Three were said to have been in a serious condition, but there have been no reports of life-threatening injuries.
The driver is said to have driven at up to 100 kmh long ulica Bohaterów Monte Cassino on July 19, just after 11pm. The Honda was in collision with pedestrians on the street, before turning on the pier – then smashing into a garden. The driver attempted to escape, but was held by members of the public until police arrived.
Jacek Karnowski, mayor of Sopot, said the aftermath was a ‘real picture of disaster’.
Mr Karnowski added: “I wish to express my deepest sympathy to all the victims of the night… this is an unprecedented event, with the hallmarks of a terrorist attack, which has never before happened in our city and hopefully will never happen again.”
A 32-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He tested negative for alcohol, and police will carry out further tests to determine whether he had taken drugs.
