Germany's Scholz Arrives In Magdeburg As Flags Are Lowered Nationwide

MAGDEBURG (Germany), Dec 21 (Bernama-dpa) -- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other top officials, including Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Justice Minister Volker Wissing, visited on Saturday the scene of the deadly car-ramming incident at the Christmas market in Magdeburg, reported German news agency (dpa).

At least four people have died, including a child, and 41 people were seriously injured after a car ploughed into the crowd on Friday evening. Some media outlets report that more than 200 people have been injured. 

The suspect, who is in police custody, is a doctor and Saudi national who lives and works in Bernburg, a town south of Magdeburg, officials said.

Scholz and his entourage first met with regional Cabinet officials, including Saxony-Anhalt state premier Reiner Haseloff. 

Interior Minister Faeser ordered on Saturday morning that all flags at all federal buildings be flown at half-mast nationwide.

A memorial service is to be held in Magdeburg's cathedral at 7 pm (1800 GMT).

-- BERNAMA-dpa