Fire - "Increased smell of petrol": Police investigate after explosion in Herford bar
In the Herford city center, there was an explosion at a bar on Sunday. The building had been fully engulfed in flames, according to Fire Chief Karsten Buschmann speaking to AFP news agency. In addition, "numerous" manhole covers were blown into the air. The cause was initially unclear. According to initial findings, no one was injured.
The fire department evacuated nearby buildings and managed to bring the fire under control after roughly three-quarters of an hour. Firefighters used specialized equipment to ventilate the sewage system to prevent further explosions, said the Fire Chief. An increased benzene odor was reported at the scene of the incident. The building reportedly suffered extensive damage and is to be partially demolished by the fire department.
According to "Bild" newspaper, a man is reported to have fled from the scene. A manhunt is underway. An investigation commission has been set up. Special police forces are on site. "We are investigating in all directions," said a spokesperson.
Fire in Herford: Residents are asked to close doors and windows
The investigations ranged from a technical defect to arson to an attack. The fire department and the Technical Aid Organization are on site. The police are "strongly present" on site to find the cause of the fire.
Shortly after 11 am, an alarm went off at the fire department. According to the "Westfalen-Blatt," a SEK team is at the train station, and a hundred-man squad is on its way to Herford. A police helicopter was circling over the city.
Motorists are asked to avoid the city center extensively. Residents were asked to close their windows and doors.
The top news outlets, including AFP and Bild newspaper, reported extensively about the explosion in Herford's city center. The fire department, needing a large contingent, was quickly on the scene to manage the fire. The explosion caused damage to a bar, leading to the bar's partial demolition by the fire department. The полицейская милиция (police) is actively involved in the investigation, searching for any potential suspects after a man was reportedly seen fleeing from the scene. Local residents are advised to keep their doors and windows closed due to the ongoing investigation and increased benzene odor.
