Serious Pedestrian Injuries in Car Accident Near Stockholm's Royal Palace

On August 23, 2025, at approximately 16:30, two young women were severely injured when struck by a vehicle near the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, Stockholm. Witnesses report that the women were crossing Slottsbacken when a car, which was turning uphill, failed to notice them. Eyewitness Jauadi Elmaezi, a taxi driver, intervened immediately after the incident, stopping the driver who seemed unaware of having hit anyone.

Police spokesperson Mats Eriksson confirmed that the incident has been classified as an isolated event, with no links to terrorism. The driver has been arrested and is facing charges of gross negligence in traffic and causing bodily harm, as investigations continue. Emergency services responded promptly, and the injured pedestrians were transported to nearby hospitals.

Following the accident, traffic on Skeppsbron was halted but resumed about an hour later, although Slottsbacken remained closed to facilitate the emergency response and investigation. Both women are reportedly in serious condition, underlining ongoing concerns regarding pedestrian safety in urban areas. This incident has drawn attention to the need for increased vigilance and improved safety measures for pedestrians in busy city locations.