Berlin - Christmas market at Alexanderplatz cleared - stalls in flames
The Christmas market on Berlin's Alexanderplatz has been evacuated and closed early after a fire. One person was taken to hospital with minor injuries after two stalls went up in flames in the evening, a police spokesman said on Tuesday. The injured person is believed to be the operator of one of the wooden stalls that caught fire.
Despite the minor damage, the report attracted increased attention on Wednesday. Christmas markets in Germany are currently considered to be at risk of terrorism, and there is a fear of Islamist attacks. The police throughout Germany have therefore taken increased security precautions.
Fire broke out at the Christmas market on Alexanderplatz at around 8 pm
"The fire has been extinguished", the Berlin fire department announced via the X news service around half an hour after the fire broke out on the Alex. "The scene is under control!" The cause of the fire was initially unclear and the police are investigating. The "Bild" (online) initially reported on the incident. A spokesperson for the Berlin police told AFP news agency that the fire broke out at around 8pm. One of the two stalls that caught fire was completely destroyed.
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The fire at the Christmas market on Berlin's Alexanderplatz was a cause of concern, given the heightened security measures due to terrorism risks. Authorities are now intensifying their investigations to determine the cause of the blaze.
In response to the incident, the Christmas market at Berlin's Alexanderplatz has been temporarily closed for safety reasons, causing disappointment among visitors who were looking forward to enjoying the festive atmosphere.
Source: www.stern.de
