This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated.

WURZBURG, Germany — An ax-wielding man who attacked several people on a train in southern Germany has been shot dead by police, according to Lt. Fabian Hench, regional police spokesman.

The assailant, armed with a knife and an ax, was identified as a 17-year-old Afghan man living in Ochsenfurt, Bavaria, according to Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann.

The attack took place as the train was traveling between stations. The train made an emergency stop short of the station at Wurzburg-Heidingsfeld and the assailant jumped out of the train, Hench said.

Police hunted the man down with ground searchers and a helicopter, and he was killed, Hench said.

Four passengers who were attacked are in serious condition, with the total number of wounded unclear, according to the police spokesman. The attacker’s motive is not yet known, Hench said.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

[takeaction]