A tragic incident has shaken the city of Solingen, Germany, where a knife attack during a celebration of the city’s 650th anniversary has resulted in multiple fatalities. According to German media, the attack occurred at the “Festival of Diversity” held at Fronhof market, which featured live music.

While local authorities have not yet released an official death toll, Associated Press reports that police have confirmed three fatalities and four serious injuries. Solingen’s Mayor, Tim-Oliver Kurzbach, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, confirming the deaths and injuries but not providing further specifics.

“This evening, we all face shock, horror, and great sadness in Solingen. We all wanted to celebrate our city’s anniversary together, and now we must mourn those who have died and those who are injured,” Kurzbach wrote on social media. He added, “My heart breaks that there has been an attack on our city. I have tears in my eyes when I think of those we have lost. I pray for all the ones still fighting for their lives.”

Eyewitnesses report that the perpetrator fled the scene after seemingly attacking festival-goers randomly around 9:45 PM local time (7:45 PM GMT). Authorities have cordoned off the city center while an investigation is underway.

A video circulating on social media shows festival organizer Philipp Müller announcing that nine people are fighting for their lives following the attack. Solingen, which has nearly 160,000 residents, is located in the northwestern part of Germany near the border with the Netherlands, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen).

The “Festival of Diversity” began on Friday and was intended to celebrate the city’s 650th anniversary throughout the weekend. This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.