Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Germany Probes Deadly Albstadt House Explosion as Cologne Hotel Blast Points to Possible Self‑Caused Fire

Authorities rule out an attack pending forensic determinations of cause.

Overview

  • Three members of a family (ages 33, 30 and 6) were found dead after an early‑morning house explosion in Albstadt, according to police.
  • The mayor cited a suspected gas blast, the gas supply on the street was shut off as a precaution, and the cause remains unconfirmed with an attack not suspected.
  • Roughly 200 responders and search dogs combed the rubble for hours, multiple neighboring homes were damaged, and evacuees received support with most later allowed to return.
  • In Cologne, a deflagration on the third floor of the Löwenbräu Hotel shattered windows and injured up to three people, including one in critical condition and a firefighter with minor injuries.
  • Cologne prosecutors and police report indications the critically injured man may have started the hotel fire himself, with criminal and technical investigations continuing.