Stabbing at festival in Germany leaves 3 dead, 4 seriously injured

At least three people were killed and four others were seriously injured in a knife attack that occurred early on August 24 (Vietnam time) at a festival in the city of Solingen, western Germany.

Police in the nearby city of Duesseldorf said a large-scale operation had been launched to find the suspect, who is on the run, adding that a "large area" had been cordoned off.

Bild newspaper reported that the attacker "stabbed people indiscriminately with a knife."

The festival is part of a series of events celebrating the 650th anniversary of the founding of the city of Solingen.

Solingen Mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the city was shocked and saddened by the incident. He thanked the emergency services who responded quickly to the scene, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

On social network X, North Rhine-Westphalia state premier Hendrik Wuest condemned the brutal violence against the community and expressed his support for the people of Solingen, especially the victims and their families.

Located not far from Duesseldorf and Cologne, Solingen has a population of about 150,000. According to the event's website, the "Festival of Diversity" will last for three days, starting on August 23.

The event features a variety of music shows, street theater, cabaret shows in the city center and several other areas with the participation of comedians. An estimated 75,000 visitors attended the festival.