Cologne hit by second explosion in two days

An explosion rocked central Cologne in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia state early September 18 morning, injuring one person with minor injuries.

This marks the second explosion in the city within the past two days, Caliber.Az reports citing German media.

The blast occurred around 5:00 AM near a clothing store, where photos from the scene reveal that the explosion shattered a window and caused a fire.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.

Cologne police have secured the area and are advising citizens to avoid the vicinity and use alternative routes.

The previous explosion happened on September 16 at approximately 5:50 AM, injuring two individuals, including a cleaner who suffered severe injuries.

The police had initially sealed off a large section of Hohenzollernring, Cologne's main entertainment district, between Rudolfplatz and Friesenplatz metro stations, but have since lifted the restrictions. The explosion occurred outside a nightclub in a popular nightlife area.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the cause of either explosion.

by Tamilla Hasanova