Authorities confirmed on X that they had detained the driver and did not consider him a further threat.

Fifteen people were injured on Thursday when a car drove into a crowd in Munich, just a day before the city's high-profile security conference.

The incident occurred about 1.5 kilometres from the event venue, where U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy were expected to arrive later that day, Reuters reports.

A large-scale police operation took place near the central train station. 

Authorities confirmed on X that they had detained the driver and did not consider him a further threat.

"One person is lying on the street and a young man has been taken away by the police. People are sitting on the ground, crying and trembling," a reporter for local broadcaster BR wrote on X.

The incident appeared to have affected demonstrators participating in a Verdi union strike, though the union stated it had no information on the matter.

Security remains a major concern in Germany ahead of next week’s federal election, following recent violent attacks.

Meanwhile, Munich Security Conference (MSC), an annual event bringing together world leaders, top military officials, and security experts, has historically been a key platform for global discussions on defence and international conflicts. 

Founded in 1963, the event has played a central role in shaping security policies, particularly in Europe.

This year's conference is expected to focus on pressing geopolitical issues, including Russia’s war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and global cybersecurity threats. 

With high-profile figures like Vance and Zelenskiy in attendance, German authorities had already heightened security in the city.

The 2025 Munich Security Conference (MSC) is scheduled to take place from February 14 to 16, 2025, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof in Munich. 

This annual event gathers decision-makers and opinion leaders from over 100 countries to discuss pressing global security challenges.

The 2025 conference will commence with an opening address by Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on February 14. The agenda includes discussions on global governance, democratic resilience, climate security, and regional conflicts. 

Notably, this year's conference coincides with significant political transitions, including a new U.S. administration and upcoming German parliamentary elections.

In addition to the main programme, the MSC 2025 will feature around 200 official side events and numerous public outreach activities, fostering a comprehensive dialogue on international security issues.