German police have cordoned off downtown Cologne following reports of an explosion in the Hohenzollernring district, the city’s primary entertainment hub. The blast reportedly occurred near Vanity Club and a shopping mall, according to local sources. Cologne authorities have asked motorists via social media to avoid the area as investigations are ongoing.
While officials have not yet confirmed details about the cause or potential casualties, Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger initially speculated that the explosion may have taken place inside a nightclub. However, eyewitnesses on the scene suggested the blast happened just outside a shopping center. Local news outlet t-online cited a police spokesperson confirming that the explosion occurred at approximately 5:50 AM outside an undisclosed building.
Radio Köln has reported that one person sustained minor injuries and was promptly transported to a nearby hospital, while EXPRESS.de noted there were no serious injuries, based on police statements. The explosion triggered a fire, which was quickly extinguished by the time emergency services arrived.
According to EXPRESS.de, surveillance footage appears to show a man leaving a bag outside one of the entrances before the explosion, which reportedly occurred shortly thereafter. The footage captured the individual placing a bag and setting something on fire before the blast occurred. Residents, including a local named Santo Sposito, described hearing a loud bang that shook the neighborhood, followed by a visible fire near the entrance.
As of now, authorities are continuing to investigate, and more information is expected to be released as the situation develops.
