BERLIN — A stabbing incident occurred at Hamburg’s busy central train station, resulting in multiple injuries, with some victims in critical condition, as reported by authorities. A woman believed to be the assailant has been taken into custody.

The assault took place on the platform between tracks 13 and 14 around 6 p.m., as confirmed by police. Located in downtown Hamburg, Germany’s second-largest city, the station serves as a major hub for local, regional, and long-distance trains.

As of late Friday night, Hamburg’s fire service reported a total of 17 injuries: four individuals with life-threatening conditions, six others with severe injuries, and seven sustaining minor injuries, according to the German news agency dpa.

Police said that a 39-year-old woman, a German national, was arrested at the scene without putting up resistance and that they believe after watching video footage that she acted alone. They secured the knife.

There was no immediate indication of any political motive, and investigators were looking into whether the suspect may have been mentally ill, police spokesperson Florian Abbenseth said.

A high-speed ICE train with its doors open was still at the platform hours after the attack, but Abbenseth said that it was not a crime scene.

Railway operator Deutsche Bahn said it was “deeply shocked” by the attack. Four tracks at the station were closed Friday evening, and some long-distance trains were delayed or diverted.

Carrying weapons, including knives, is banned at the station and on local transport in Hamburg.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s office said the German leader was appalled by the news, and told Hamburg Mayor Peter Tschentscher in a call Friday evening said that “my thoughts are with the victims and their relatives.”