Cologne rocked by early morning explosion, police rule out terrorism

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - An explosion shook the heart of Cologne, Germany, early Monday morning, causing significant damage to a building and prompting a major police response.

While the cause of the blast remains under investigation, authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive.

The incident occurred in the Hohenzollernring neighborhood, a bustling area known for its vibrant nightlife. A road between two central locations, Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz, was temporarily closed as police and emergency services responded to the scene.

One person sustained minor injuries in the explosion.

Police are currently reviewing surveillance footage to determine the sequence of events leading up to the incident. A fire department spokesperson confirmed their presence but noted that no firefighting efforts were required.

Although authorities have ruled out terrorism, a police spokesman declined to comment on whether the explosion might be linked to recent organized crime-related incidents in the state.

The affected road has since been reopened, but the investigation into the explosion's cause is ongoing.