Driver steers car into group near Hannover, injuring at least 5; police fire on car, 3 detained

As of 8:54 a.m. ET, Oct. 27, 2026

A driver deliberately steered a BMW into a small group of people in Neustadt am Rübenberge, near Hannover in northern Germany, late Monday, injuring at least five, police said Tuesday.

The attack happened at about 11:30 p.m. local time Monday (6:30 p.m. ET) on Mecklenhorster Strasse, the Hannover police directorate said in a statement. The injured, whose injuries ranged from minor to serious, were taken to nearby hospitals.

Officers who happened to be running a routine traffic check nearby fired at the BMW "to stop the ongoing attack," police said. The driver left the car at the scene and fled. Police said several suspects fled the scene and that they are investigating whether anyone else was in the car. A search that included a police helicopter was initially unsuccessful.

Three detained

Police said three people found at the address of the car's registered owner were provisionally detained. Police said it is still under investigation how far they are directly connected to the attack. They have not been named or charged.

According to police, the people involved knew each other and belong to extended families, some of which have previously come to police attention in connection with clan crime. Police said that, based on current information, there was no danger to the public.

Hannover police, after consulting Hannover prosecutors, opened an investigation into attempted homicide. Police said investigations into exactly what happened, the background and the identity of the suspects are continuing, and they appealed for witnesses.

What is not known

The driver has not been publicly identified and police have not said whether the driver is among those detained. The motive has not been given. Police have not said how many people were in the car, how many suspects fled or the condition of each of the injured.