A car drove into a group of pedestrians in the southwestern German city of Stuttgart, injuring eight people, authorities said Friday.

The incident occurred around 6 p.m. local time in the city center when a black SUV drove into a crowd, according to local media reports. Police have indicated that preliminary investigation suggests it was an accident.

“Based on the current state of investigation and available evidence, our colleagues at the #Olgaeck scene believe this to be a tragic traffic accident. There are currently no indications of an attack or a deliberate act,” Stuttgart police said on X.

The incident occurred near a tram stop in the Olgaeck area of Stuttgart's city center. Three of the victims sustained serious injuries, officers said.

According to the public broadcaster SWR, the driver, who was arrested and questioned by police shortly after the incident, is a German national in his early 40s. (Anadolu Agency)