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Tragedy Strikes German Christmas Market: Car Plows into Crowd, Leaving Two Dead and Dozens Injured

In a devastating incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Germany, a car drove into a crowd, resulting in the deaths of at least two people and injuring over 60 others. The tragic event unfolded on December 20, 2024, as the festive market was bustling with visitors. The driver, identified as a doctor from Saudi Arabia residing in Germany, has been taken into custody. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect acted alone and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The victims include one adult and one child, and officials have not ruled out the possibility of additional fatalities due to the severity of some injuries. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, providing medical assistance to the injured and securing the area. The market has been closed, and an extensive police operation is underway. This tragic incident has cast a shadow over the holiday season, and the thoughts and prayers of many are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.

Business Matters: New Condo Sales in the Greater Toronto Area Plummet 71% Below 10-Year Average

 

In a surprising turn of events, new condominium sales in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) have taken a nosedive, plummeting 71% below the 10-year average for the first quarter of this year. According to analysis by Urbanation, this decline is the most significant since the late 1990s.

The figures reveal a stark contrast from the Q1 high in 2022, where sales reached 9,723 units. However, in the current quarter, only 4,978 units were sold, marking a substantial drop. The GTA’s real estate market has been grappling with various challenges, including high interest rates and soaring prices, which have priced out many potential buyers.

Outside of a brief period in early 2009, the GTA hasn’t witnessed such low condo sales. The situation underscores the need for a closer examination of market dynamics and potential solutions to revive the condo sector. As the industry navigates these uncharted waters, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the trends and seeking ways to restore confidence in the market.

The GTA’s real estate landscape remains in flux, and it remains to be seen how the market will evolve in the coming months. For now, prospective condo buyers and industry players alike are keeping a watchful eye on the numbers, hoping for signs of recovery.

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