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Heartfelt tributes have poured in for an 18-year-old Turkish woman who was pushed in front of an oncoming train in what police have described as a random attack.
The victim, Fatemeh D., was waiting at a subway station in Germany when she was allegedly grabbed and dragged onto the tracks by a 25-year-old man, identified as Ariop A.
The incident occurred at Wandsbek Markt subway station shortly after 10 p.m. on Thursday, January 29. Both Fatemeh and the suspect died at the scene.
Family and friends have taken to social media to mourn the teenager, sharing photos and emotional messages in her memory. Her mother posted on Instagram alongside an image of Fatemeh holding flowers, writing: “My daughter is an angel.” In another post, she wrote simply: “Oh, pretty girl.”
Another tribute featured a compilation of videos with the caption: “Last night I wanted to hug you.”
A vigil was also announced in her honour. One post read: “Tomorrow, Sunday, we will meet at 2:30 p.m. in front of the main entrance of the Wandsbek Markt subway station to light candles and remember our dear Asal.”
Authorities have since revealed that the suspect, a South Sudanese national, had a history of violent behaviour and was known to German authorities.
According to Bild, he was arrested just days before the incident after allegedly assaulting police officers. He was reportedly handcuffed for aggravated assault but later released while investigations were ongoing. The outlet also reported that he had a record of aggressive and violent offences.
Police said there is no indication that the victim and the suspect knew each other.
Authorities confirmed that the man entered Germany in mid-2024 through a humanitarian reception programme. He reportedly held a valid residence permit and was living in a container-style accommodation in Hamburg. Bild reported that footprints were visible on the door of his unit.
Witnesses said the suspect appeared to be acting erratically moments before the attack. One bystander told a media outlet that the man approached the teenager and said, “I’ll take you with me,” before allegedly pulling her onto the tracks seconds later.
Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
Reports indicate that Fatemeh had been living in a women’s shelter in Norderstedt after fleeing domestic violence.
The bodies were later removed from the scene in wooden coffins.
