At least nine people have been killed and 50 have been injured after a lorry ploughed into a packed Christmas market in Berlin.

Police sources said that they believe it was a deliberate attack on tourists and locals.

The driver of the truck was briefly on the run but a suspect has since been detained after being arrested close to the scene.

Berlin Police confirmed that nine people had been killed adding that ‘many others had been injured’.

Jan Hollitzer, a local journalist, said: ‘I heard a big noise and then I moved on the Christmas market and saw much chaos… many injured people. It was really traumatic.’

Brit Emma Rushton, who witnessed the market crash, saw the lorry rush past her at speed and said it could not have been an accident.

She told Sky News she only missed being caught in the chaos because she had climbed up some steps to take a seat.

Ms Rushton said: ‘The stall that we bought our mulled wine from was completely crushed. People were tearing off wooden panels to get out.’

She added: ‘It was not an accident. It was going 40mph, it was in the middle of the market. There was no way that it could have come off the road and it showed no signs of slowing down.’

Police cars and ambulances rushed quickly to the scene as a huge security operation unfolded.

Emma Rushton, a tourist visiting Berlin, told CNN the truck seemed to be traveling at about 40 mph (65 Kmh).

Aerial images show the aftermath of the truck, which smashed into the market outside the landmark Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial Church this evening.

The incident shares similarities of the attack in France in July when Tunisian-born Mohamed Lahouaiej Bouhlel drove a 19-tonne truck along the beach front, mowing down people who had gathered to watch the fireworks on Bastille Day, killing 86 people.

Police shot the driver dead in the Nice attack claimed by Islamic State.

source: Metro

Berlin Wall Recreated In Lights For Anniversary

A nine-mile chain of lamps light up the former site of the Berlin Wall ahead of the 25th anniversary of its fall. The 8,000 lampposts are topped by illuminated balloons that are set to be released on Sunday – a quarter of a century to the day since the wall began to come down. The balloons will carry messages from the public with memories of the wall.

The Lichtgrenze – or light border – traces the former wall as accurately as possible past landmarks such as Brandenburg Gate, the Reichstag and Checkpoint Charlie. However, new buildings have made it impossible to recreate the path perfectly. Project chief Moritz van Duelmen said: “We want to show all Berliners, but especially young Berliners who haven’t experienced the wall, where it was. We also want to give visitors the chance to experience it.”

The wall, one of the most potent symbols of the Cold War, came down on 9 November, 1989 – a pivotal day in the collapse of European communism. From there Germany re-emerged as a major power at the heart of a reunited continent.

Tourists and politicians from around the world are arriving in Germany to mark 25 years since the wall came down. Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev – who played a key role in bringing down the wall – is among those travelling to Germany for the commemorations. The 83-year-old will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel and greet crowds at the former Checkpoint Charlie border crossing.

source: Sky News

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NEW YEAR – EUROPE

On New Year’s Eve most European capitals are transformed into party venues. If you think you know these cities well, you might still be pleasantly surprised by giving a chance to a new perspective. New Year’s Eve celebrations definitely provide visitors with a unique experience worth travelling for.

London New Year’s Day Parade

If you want to end the year with a Big Bang, watch Big Ben strike midnight and enjoy the spectacular fireworks by the London Eye. If you’re not worse for the wear, join the crowds on the 1^st of January in the New Year’s Day Parade, which features over 10,000 participants from across continents: marching bands, dancers, cheerleaders, acrobats, musicians and street performers.

Berlin – one gigantic party

If you don’t mind the cold, have fun on the party avenue between the Victory Column and the Brandenburg Gate, where over a million people party all night long. There’s dancing in the side streets, entertainment by international stars and incredible laser and light animations all over the sky. Foods from around the world add to the party atmosphere culminating in the midnight fireworks.

Prague – New Year’s Eve Cruise

If mingling with the crowd is not your thing, why not try going on a river cruise at New Year’s Eve. While the beautifully illuminated city goes by, enjoy the comforts of a heated deck, dinner and a champagne toast. You have the choice of party boats as well, ranging from entertainment by DJ, jazz band to live dance music, or a luxurious romantic dinner accompanied by piano.

capital – főváros
venue – helyszín
pleasantly – kellemesen
perspective – nézőpont
to provide  – biztosítani, ellátni
to be worth – érdemes lenni, megéri valami
to strike – üt (itt óra)
to not be worse for the wear – nem viseli meg
to feature – fellép, szerepel az eseményen
cheerleader – pompom lány
performer – előadóművész
to mind something – zavar valakit
avenue – sétány
entertainment – szórakozás
incredible – hihetetlen
to culminate in – kicsúcsosodik valamiben
to mingle with the crowd – elkeveredik a tömegben
cruise – sétahajózás
illuminated – kivilágított
heated deck – fűtött fedélzet
toast – pohárköszöntő
a choice of – választék
to accompany – kísérni

Match the words with the definitions.

answers: 1-e 2-d 3-b 4-a 5-c

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