Blast Occurs in Downtown Cologne
German police have cordoned off downtown Cologne following reports of an explosion. Currently, there is no information regarding any potential casualties.. source:TROIB RTS
TroibNews 
German police have cordoned off a central area in Cologne following an explosion in the Hohenzollernring area, known for being the city's primary nightlife hub. Authorities, in a message on X, have advised drivers to stay clear of the vicinity. Details regarding the cause of the explosion and any potential casualties remain undisclosed.
According to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper, there is speculation that the explosion may have occurred at a nightclub.
A journalist present at the location commented to team members that the incident seemed to have occurred near a shopping center and the Vanity Club nightclub.
The T-online media outlet shared a statement from a police spokeswoman stating the explosion happened around 5:50 am beside an unspecified building.
Radio Köln has reported that the event resulted in minor injuries to one individual who was subsequently hospitalized. They also noted that a fire had occurred but was extinguished before the arrival of the fire service.
EXPRESS.de, citing a police official, mentioned that there were no injuries from the explosion. This media outlet managed to secure CCTV footage showing an individual in a hoodie, purportedly leaving a bag at one of the entrances just before the explosion ensued.
Local resident Santo Sposito described the situation to a media outlet, saying “early in the morning, there was a powerful bang that woke me up. Then I immediately watched out the window and saw a fire in the entrance area. Then I called the firefighters.”
Sposito also observed several people fleeing the area immediately after the incident.
The Bild newspaper has mentioned that a cleaner suffered injuries due to the explosion. The paper also released purported CCTV footage showcasing a man placing a bag outside the Vanity Club, igniting an object, and throwing it into the bag, causing the explosion.
Police have announced on X that they will provide more details as the investigation progresses.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
According to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger newspaper, there is speculation that the explosion may have occurred at a nightclub.
A journalist present at the location commented to team members that the incident seemed to have occurred near a shopping center and the Vanity Club nightclub.
The T-online media outlet shared a statement from a police spokeswoman stating the explosion happened around 5:50 am beside an unspecified building.
Radio Köln has reported that the event resulted in minor injuries to one individual who was subsequently hospitalized. They also noted that a fire had occurred but was extinguished before the arrival of the fire service.
EXPRESS.de, citing a police official, mentioned that there were no injuries from the explosion. This media outlet managed to secure CCTV footage showing an individual in a hoodie, purportedly leaving a bag at one of the entrances just before the explosion ensued.
Local resident Santo Sposito described the situation to a media outlet, saying “early in the morning, there was a powerful bang that woke me up. Then I immediately watched out the window and saw a fire in the entrance area. Then I called the firefighters.”
Sposito also observed several people fleeing the area immediately after the incident.
The Bild newspaper has mentioned that a cleaner suffered injuries due to the explosion. The paper also released purported CCTV footage showcasing a man placing a bag outside the Vanity Club, igniting an object, and throwing it into the bag, causing the explosion.
Police have announced on X that they will provide more details as the investigation progresses.
Sophie Wagner for TROIB News
