Six of the injured are in critical condition, while among the dead is a 9-week-old baby.
Here is a summary of events and reaction.
A dark-grey SUV drove down the Brotstraße in the city centre of Trier at 1.46pm on Tuesday afternoon, hitting a number of pedestrians.
An eye witness reported that he saw people being hurled through the air, as well as a children’s pram. Another witness said that one man died on the corner of Sternstraße, along with a woman in front of the C&A on Konstantinstraße.
The area was quickly put into lockdown by police, with helicopters circling above and several hundred officers on the ground. Locals were asked to avoid the pedestrian area of Germany’s oldest city, as police securing evidence and collecting witness accounts.
A source close to RTL confirmed that a local school in the neighbourhood was on lockdown shortly after the attack, following protocols in the scenario of a possible terrorist attack. Parents of children at the Ausonius-Grundschule were called to pick up their children, as they would not be allowed to go home alone.
Although initial reports suggested that the driver was forced off the road, Trier police have confirmed that he had actually parked his car, and was smiling and calmly smoking as he was apprehended.
The 51-year-old perpetrator, a German national, had reportedly been living out of the car for several days and was initially believed to have been drunk at the time of the attack. His motives are as of yet unknown.
Ammunition was discovered in the man’s car, but no weapon. A search is underway to discover if a firearm was dumped prior to the attack.
Four people were confirmed dead by local police at 4pm, with at least 30 injured.
This number was revised to five shortly after 8pm, when it was first announced in local media that a young child had been added to the list of victims.
The victims were three women aged 73, 52 and 25, and a 45-year-old with his 9-week-old baby. The child’s mother and sister were also reportedly injured in the attack.
Also among the injured was a Luxembourgish citizen, who was treated at the hospital in Trier for minor injuries.
As of Saturday morning, 18 people are believed to have been injured in the attack, including six who remain in a critical condition.
At 7pm on Tuesday, city officials held a press conference at the Trier town hall to inform the public about the most recent findings in the ongoing investigation.
Mayor Wolfram Leibe was the first to utter words of condolences to the victims: “This is the darkest day Trier has experienced since World War II.”
The mayor was at a loss to explain or understand the horrific deed, breaking into tears as he announced the death of the baby.
A vigil was held on Wednesday morning at the Porta Nigra, where Minister-President of Rhineland-Palatinate Malu Dreyer gave the following speech: “Five people had their lives torn from them yesterday in the Trier pedestrian zone. Others are fighting for survival in the hospital, with many more seriously injured. Because a man who was born and raised in the area turned his car into a murder weapon, killing at random. Whatever made him do it - nothing, really nothing, can justify this brutal and terrible act.”
The ceremony was attended by hundreds of the city’s residents.
At 1.46pm on Thursday afternoon there was a moment of silence observed to remember those who died and to offer support to those who remain injured following Tuesday’s tragic events.
1.46pm is the time the 51-year-old driver began his horrific rampage through the streets of the city centre.
Read: Stephen Lowe - A senseless act
Luxembourg City is planning to close off pedestrian zones with concrete blocks, the CGDIS has said.
Four ambulances, one first responder, two helicopters, one liaison officer and one medical emergency doctor attended the scene in Trier.
Luxembourg’s PM Xavier Bettel offered his thoughts and sympathies with those affected:
“I am deeply appalled and dismayed by the terrible news from Trier. My thoughts are with the victims and the numerous injured and their families. In this difficult moment, Luxembourg stands firmly by the side of our neighbours and friends.”
On Tuesday evening, Grand Duke Henri also expressed his condolences in an official statement:
“Dear Mr President
the Grand Duchess and I were deeply shocked when we heard of the appalling incident that occurred in Trier this afternoon.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with the victims and their families. In the name of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, we want to express our sincerest condolences to you and your fellow citizens.
Germany can be assured to have our full solidarity and support in these trying times.”
Luxembourg City Mayor Lydie Polfer also issued a letter of condolence to the citizens of Trier, promising that the capital will stand in solidarity with its neighbours and offer any support it can give.
