A serious car crash in Darmstadt, Germany, has raised concerns about a possible Islamist motive. The incident, which left one driver severely injured, is being investigated by authorities for potential links to extremism and mental health issues.
On Monday, September 2, a 24-year-old BMW driver caused a severe collision in Darmstadt, Hesse. Witnesses reported that the driver was speeding down Frankfurter Landstraße in the Arheilgen district, ignoring red lights and occasionally driving on the sidewalk. Pedestrians managed to get to safety before the BMW crashed into a white Skoda at the intersection with Fuchsstraße at 11:57 AM.
The impact severely damaged the right side of the Skoda, trapping its driver. Firefighters had to free the victim, who remains hospitalized with serious injuries. The BMW came to a stop in front of an empty store, and its driver was arrested at the scene.
Investigation and potential motives
Following his arrest, the BMW driver reportedly told police that he had acted “on behalf of Allah,” according to information obtained by the newspaper WELT from security authorities. This statement has prompted investigators to consider a possible Islamist motive for the crash.
The Hessian State Criminal Police Office (LKA) is leading the investigation through its state security department, which handles politically motivated crimes. The Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) has also been informed of the incident.
In addition to the potential Islamist connection, authorities are exploring the possibility of mental health issues playing a role in the crash. The driver is said to be a German citizen with Afghan roots.
Legal proceedings and ongoing investigation
The Darmstadt public prosecutor’s office has obtained an arrest warrant for the driver, who is now in pre-trial detention. A blood sample was taken to determine if the driver was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the crash.
The LKA’s initial press release, issued at 6:32 PM on Monday, stated that “intentional action cannot be ruled out at this time.” However, the agency did not disclose the driver’s alleged statement about acting on behalf of Allah, which has since been reported by media outlets.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this alarming incident in Darmstadt.
