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'It went black and everyone was screaming'

British eyewitnesses describe horror moment lorry crashes into Breitscheidplatz Christmas market in Berlin

EYEWITNESSES have told of the horrific moment a lorry ploughed into a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 and injuring 50 others in what police believe is a deliberate attack.

The crash happened in Breitscheidplatz, a major public square in the city in a chilling echo of the deadly terror attack in Nice earlier this year.

Horror attack ... The huge truck ploughed into crowds of revellers at the Berlin Christmas market
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Horror attack ... The huge truck ploughed into crowds of revellers at the Berlin Christmas marketCredit: EPA
The driver of the Polish-registered lorry fled the devastating scene of the attack on Monday evening
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The driver of the Polish-registered lorry fled the devastating scene of the attack on Monday eveningCredit: Reuters


The motorist behind the wheel of the truck is reported to be a refugee who entered Germany in February this year
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The motorist behind the wheel of the truck is reported to be a refugee who entered Germany in February this yearCredit: Getty Images

According to the , ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Briton Emma Rushton, who was in the Berlin market, saw the lorry rush past her at speed and said it could not have been an accident.

She told she only missed being caught in the chaos because she had climbed up some steps to take a seat.

Devastation ... dozens of victims are being treated at the scene where 12 people lost their lives
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Devastation ... dozens of victims are being treated at the scene where 12 people lost their livesCredit: spreepicture


She said: "We heard a massive bang. About eight to 10 feet in front of us was where the lorry ploughed through. It ploughed through the stall where we bought our mulled wine.

“It ploughed through people and the wooden huts, it tore the lights down. Everything went dark, it was black and there was screaming. It was awful.

"People were tearing off wooden panels to get out."

Emergency treatment ... eyewitnesses told how the lorry was travelling so quickly it 'could not have been an accident'
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Emergency treatment ... eyewitnesses told how the lorry was travelling so quickly it 'could not have been an accident'Credit: Associated Press
Several of the injured are reported to be in a critical condition after being trapped underneath the lorry
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Several of the injured are reported to be in a critical condition after being trapped underneath the lorryCredit: Getty Images
12 were killed in the shock incident in the major public city square in Berlin, with 50 injured
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12 were killed in the shock incident in the major public city square in Berlin, with 50 injuredCredit: Associated Press
ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack according to Iraqi sources
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ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack according to Iraqi sourcesCredit: REUTERS
Officials fear hundreds of revellers were injured in the attack, which has chilling echoes of the Bastille Day attack in Nice
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Officials fear hundreds of revellers were injured in the attack, which has chilling echoes of the Bastille Day attack in NiceCredit: Getty Images

She added: "It was not an accident. It was going 40mph, it was in the middle of the market.

"There was no way that it could have come off the road and it showed no signs of slowing down."

The Brit tweeted: "People crushed. I am safe. I am safe."

Jan Hollitzer, deputy editor-in-chief of Berliner Morgenpost, told: "I heard a big noise and then I moved on the Christmas market and saw much chaos...many injured people.

"It was really traumatic."

The attack comes mere weeks after ISIS threatened to carry out 'massacres' at Christmas markets
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The attack comes mere weeks after ISIS threatened to carry out 'massacres' at Christmas marketsCredit: Getty Images
Huge numbers of casualties are feared after the attack
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Huge numbers of casualties are feared after the attackCredit: Getty Images
The attack has not been officially confirmed as a terror incident, but federal prosecutors have taken over the investigation from cops
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The attack has not been officially confirmed as a terror incident, but federal prosecutors have taken over the investigation from copsCredit: Associated Press

Another witness, Mike Fox, told how the truck missed him by about three metres as it drove into the market, tearing into tables and market stalls as it went.

The Brit, in Berlin for a holiday, said he helped people at the scene who appeared to have broken limbs.

He told how other victims were crushed under Christmas stands.

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According to , a woman at the scene could be heard crying and yelling: "An idiot drove into the crowd!"

Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin, has described the situation as "under control".

"What we're seeing here is dramatic. My thoughts are with the families who have dead and injured to mourn."
Rescue workers treated victims as they lay on the ground surrounded by debris at the Christmas market
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Rescue workers treated victims as they lay on the ground surrounded by debris at the Christmas marketCredit: spreepicture


The truck was reportedly travelling at 40mph when it drove into crowds, 'showing no signs of slowing'
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The truck was reportedly travelling at 40mph when it drove into crowds, 'showing no signs of slowing'Credit: Getty Images
According to Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin, the situation is now 'under control'
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According to Michael Müller, Mayor of Berlin, the situation is now 'under control'Credit: EPA

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