ALBAWABA - German police announced launching a "major police operation" following an explosion that jolted Germany's western city of Cologne on Monday, local media reported.
According to North Rhine-Westphalia state police, a route connecting two key areas in Cologne, Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz, has been closed, and residents are advised to avoid that area. The Hohenzollernring district is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with several pubs and restaurants, Deutsche Welle (DW) reported.
A police spokeswoman told reporters that there was no proof of terrorism, but would to comment on whether it was related to a recent wave of similar crimes tied to organized crime across the state.
Authorities said that one individual was lightly hurt. They also stated that they were actively evaluating security video leading up to the event.
A fire department spokesperson stated that they had been dispatched to the area, but that no extinguishing activity was required. Police said on social networking site X later Monday morning that the road had been reopened, but did not elaborate on the reason of the explosion outside a nightclub.
