Berlin Truck Crash: 9 Dead, Many Injured In Christmas Market 'Attack'

A truck drove through a crowded Christmas market in Berlin, Germany, on Monday, killing at least nine people and injuring 50 more, according to Berlin police. The crash is believed to be an "attack," the New York Times reported, citing police.

The truck's passenger died on the scene, Berlin Police said. The driver was arrested about 100 yards away from the crash, according to the Guardian. Police said the truck had a Polish license plate.

A heavy police and emergency personnel presence was visible in video from the scene:

Read more coverage from CNN here.

Read more coverage from The New York Times.

Read more coverage from the BBC here.

The identities of the victims were not immediately known, including whether any were visiting from the United States.

The White House said the incident "appears to have been a terrorist attack."

"We have been in touch with German officials, and we stand ready to provide assistance as they recover from and investigate this horrific incident," a statement from White House National Security Council Spokesman Ned Price said. "Germany is one of our closest partners and strongest allies, and we stand together with Berlin in the fight against all those who target our way of life and threaten our societies."

President-elect Donald Trump called it a "horrifying terror attack."

"Innocent civilians were murdered in the streets as they prepared to celebrate the Christmas holiday," the statement said. "ISIS and other Islamist terrorists continually slaughter Christians in their communities and places of worship as part of their global jihad. These terrorists and their regional and worldwide networks must be eradicated from the face of the earth, a mission we will carry out with all freedom-loving partners."

Police in Chicago increased police presence at a German-themed Christmas market there.

"While there is no threat to the city or the greater area, CPD will be adding police resources to Daley plaza including additional foot and bike patrols and specialized units," police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said in a statement.

The U.S. State Department urged Americans in November to use caution when traveling through Europe during the holidays, especially at "holiday festivals, events, and outdoor markets."

In July, more than 80 people, including a father and son from Texas, were killed in Nice, France, when a large cargo truck plowed through a crowd celebrating Bastille Day.

This story will be updated with the latest developments. Refresh this page for updates as they come in.