Three Dead, Eight Injured in Stockholm Lorry Attack; Threat Neutralized
- Details
- Category: World News - Europe
- Published on Friday, 07 April 2017 08:03
- Written by Janet Walker
Swedes were preparing for a typical Friday evening at the Ahlens Mall in Klarabergsgatan when a lorry truck barreled down the street, jumped the curb, and continued on the sidewalk, in an apparent terrorist attack that killed three.
From all reports the attack fits the same pattern as the recent attacks in the Berlin Christmas Week attack, the recent London attack, Bastille Evening attack in Nice, and the Ohio State University Attack in the United States bearing the most similarity to the German attack.
Media have reported the scene was chaos as the Mall, also had outdoor dining, was crowded with hundreds of shoppers. The driver, whom witnesses report was wearing a balaclava that covered his face, sped up as he targeted a large group of shoppers.
Patrons in stores facing the Ahlens Mall have stated they had seen several people tossed in the air from the impact. Hearing the screams and the impact of the truck which hit a brick wall and exploded in a fireball, the escaped through a rear exit.
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Pictures from the scene show bloody streets, a two tonne lorry on fire with smokes plumes surrounding the vehicle. Police have reported the truck and surrounding scene has been sprayed with white fire retardant.
Recent developments indicate the driver had two passengers in the truck and the three men jumped from the truck at impact and opened fire. The driver momentarily escaped and was shot, in an exchange of gunfire, by local authorities.
No confirmation from authorities on the condition or location of the other two suspects. In a precautionary measure, Police evacuated and shut down the Swedish Central Train Station in Stockholm. The preventive move, stopped any escape by the remaining two suspects, and interrupted the Friday evening commute leaving thousands stranded until further notice.
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Prime Minister Stefan Lofven confirmed the incident was considered a terror attack.
The suspect was apprehended and taken into custody. The investigation is fluid; the threat is neutralized.
This is a developing story.
Images from BBC Twitter @bbcbreaking.
