Shocking footage emerging from Kraków captures the terrifying aftermath of a mass shooting that left five people dead and more than a dozen injured, as terrified witnesses fled for their lives and desperate bystanders rushed to help the wounded in one of Poland's most famous tourist destinations.
The historic heart of Kraków was transformed into a scene of carnage Saturday afternoon after a gunman drove into the city's bustling Main Market Square and began shooting randomly at people.
The attack unfolded at approximately 3 p.m. local time, sending tourists, pedestrians and other people scrambling for cover as gunfire erupted in the popular historic centre.
According to eyewitness accounts and descriptions of footage circulating on social media, the aftermath was horrific.
People could be seen fleeing as the sound of gunshots and police sirens filled the area. Other footage reportedly showed victims lying motionless on the square's blood-spattered paving stones, while horrified bystanders attempted to administer emergency assistance and perform resuscitation.
The images paint a devastating picture of the chaos that unfolded in a location normally packed with tourists, shoppers and people enjoying the city's restaurants and cafes.
One witness, identified only as Konrad, told Polish news outlet Interia that he saw shots being fired from the driver's side window of a vehicle, with smoke coming from the car.
He described running toward a police station in the Main Market Square, where he found people hiding on the floor.
It was a terrifying indication of how quickly an ordinary afternoon in the historic city had descended into a fight for survival.
GUNMAN FIRED RANDOMLY FROM CAR
Police said the attacker drove into the Main Market Square and began firing at random people from his vehicle.
The shooting was reported in the vicinity of Sławkowska Street, with the violence extending beyond the immediate square.
In a particularly alarming development, a passing tram was also reportedly targeted.
According to Kraków's municipal authorities, the gunman fired at a Line 1 tram at Plac Wszystkich Świętych, shattering the driver's cabin window. Fortunately, neither the driver nor any passengers were injured.
The attack prompted a massive emergency response, with police officers, ambulances and rescue personnel rushing into the historic centre.
An air ambulance helicopter was also dispatched as emergency crews worked to treat the injured and transport victims to hospitals.
POLICE SHOOT SUSPECT AFTER GUNFIGHT
The gunman's rampage eventually ended when police confronted him.
According to police spokespersons, officers attempted to arrest the suspect, but he returned fire, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Two police officers were among those injured during the confrontation.
The suspect was shot by police, apprehended and transported to hospital for treatment.
Authorities described the man as wearing military-style clothing. The Associated Press also reported that he was a Polish citizen and had been carrying a military-type long gun.
Police subsequently discovered additional weapons and ammunition inside his vehicle.
Authorities said the attacker appeared to have acted alone and that there was no indication of additional suspects at large.
FIVE DEAD, MORE THAN A DOZEN INJURED
The confirmed death toll stands at five, with more than a dozen people injured.
The casualties have sent shockwaves through Poland, where mass shootings of this scale are relatively uncommon.
Kraków is Poland's second-largest city and one of its biggest tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually. Its Main Market Square is a major attraction and one of Europe's largest medieval town squares.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said he was receiving regular updates from Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński as authorities investigated the attack.
He said police were examining the background and all circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek also expressed condolences to the victims' families and warned that the perpetrator would face severe consequences.
President Karol Nawrocki expressed sympathy for the victims and everyone affected by the tragedy.
MOTIVE REMAINS UNKNOWN
Investigators are now working to establish why the gunman opened fire on innocent people and whether the attack was planned in advance.
Authorities have not publicly established a motive, and the discovery of additional weapons and ammunition in the suspect's vehicle is likely to form an important part of the investigation.
For now, Kraków is left confronting the aftermath of a shocking act of violence that turned one of its most recognizable landmarks into a crime scene.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police and prosecutors examining the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the deadly attack.
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