German Backpacker Stabbed to Death in Brisbane

[Guest The Pom Queen]

Backpackers in Brisbane on edge after fatal stabbing of German tourist

The travellers staying in the heart of Brisbane's backpacking scene, Petrie Terrace, are shocked and unsure about their safety after the fatal stabbing of a German backpacker on Thursday morning.

The scene of what Queensland police described as an "incident of road rage", is just a few hundred metres away from the popular Brisbane backpacker hub which hosts five large hostels including Brisbane City YHA, City Backpackers, Summer House Backpackers Brisbane and Chill Backpackers.

It is believed the man and his friend were staying at one of the nearby hostels.

Police said the German traveller and a friend were walking on Milton Road near the hostels about 4:00am after a night out, when a man and woman, believed to be in a green Holden Barina, almost hit them.

An argument ensued between the man in the car and the German man, which ended in him being fatally stabbed in the abdomen and back multiple times, and the car fleeing the scene.

Police have not released the victim's name while the next of kin is being notified.

Officers will not reveal details about the alleged attacker but they are reviewing CCTV of the area.

Staff at various hostels were visibly on edge when approached by ABC, with all declining to comment.

One staff member did said they did not want to discuss what happened "out of respect for the man and his family".

It was a similar story with backpackers, with many saying they were too shaken or upset to talk.

'It makes you unsure of your safety'

Max, 23, from Belgium, said the incident had made him question his safety in Brisbane.

"It's such a good place to live, nice people. But maybe, I don't know it's so strange because there's no reason to do this.

"It's obviously not an accident. I have to stay here so, it makes you a bit unsure of your safety."

Max said he did not expect such confronting violence to happen to a backpacker.

"Not in Australia, it's really surprising," he said.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has attempted to assure travellers they are safe.

"What we do know is those matters are thoroughly investigated by the authorities and follow the normal court processes," she said.

'Drinking here is a major problem'

Iain, 28, from Brazil is visiting Brisbane and said he would be watching his back.

Iain said he occasionally felt unsafe in Australia and that binge drinking was major problem.

"It's related to a lot of binge drinking, I think drinking here is a big major problem. It brings the trouble makers out of a crowd who just want to pick a fight," he said.

Iain said he was worried the backpacker was stabbed so close to the accommodation.

"I've travelled South America and we don't have as much of a problem with alcohol violence as there is in Australia."

The Queensland Tourism Industry Council has been contacted for comment.

 

 

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[Toots]

I hope the police find the murdering b*stard who killed the backpacker.  Were there no witnesses?

[amibovered]

They have him!

[Toots]

2 minutes ago, amibovered said:

They have him!

Good!!

[Evandale]

A life cut so short, what a waste! his poor relatives have to live with this for the remainder of their days!... a parent's worst nightmare as we should in theory go before our kids. RIP young man, this is a disgrace!

[starlight7]

There are too many of these disgusting thugs around.  They blame drink and drugs but plenty of people take those but they don't go round stabbing people. Time they put the blame where it should be- the defective person who commits the offence, no excuses.