Police have ruled out a terrorist motive in Tuesday’s taxi incident in central Malmö, where a vehicle mounted the pavement and struck four pedestrians. One of the victims, a 55-year-old woman, later died in hospital from her injuries.
The crash occurred outside the Triangeln shopping centre on Södra Förstadsgatan, where witnesses described chaotic scenes as the taxi appeared to accelerate into a pedestrian crossing, hitting road signs and people. Two men remain in hospital with serious injuries; a fourth person sustained minor wounds.
The driver, a man in his 50s, was arrested at the scene and is now under investigation for gross negligence leading to death, gross negligence causing bodily harm, and gross negligence in traffic. He has denied criminal intent.
“This is a tragic traffic accident,” his lawyer Kristoffer Ståhl said, adding that the driver is “completely devastated.”
Prosecutor Charlotta Holmgren said the investigation is ongoing. “We will examine surveillance footage to get as clear a picture as possible,” she said, noting that further interviews are planned.
Police say several possibilities are still being considered, including driver error, a medical episode, or mechanical failure. “There are many questions that remain unanswered,” said Malmö police spokesperson Nils Norling.
The driver, described by his employer as an experienced professional, did not require emergency medical attention after the crash. The vehicle has been seized for forensic analysis.
