A café in Cologne was destroyed after a suspected explosion early Wednesday morning. Although a suspect turned himself in, he was released later that evening, denying involvement.
Another explosion occurred in Cologne, this time in a multi-family residential building in the Pesch district. The incident took place early Wednesday morning, when a device is believed to have ignited, causing severe damage to a café that had only opened a few months earlier. According to police, the café, located on the ground floor of the building, was completely burned out. Firefighters managed to extinguish the flames by 4 a.m., but the damage was extensive.
Local media reports, including from WDR and Bild, confirmed that the blast caused windows to shatter, and flames engulfed the café. Neighbors reported hearing a loud explosion around 2:45 a.m. The police confirmed that a suspect turned himself in on Wednesday, but after questioning, he was released as no evidence was found in his home. The man denied any involvement in the incident.
Firefighters and police respond, residents evacuated
The explosion resulted in the temporary evacuation of 20 residents from their homes due to the risk of smoke inhalation. Two people sustained minor injuries, with suspicion of smoke inhalation. After the fire was contained and the area deemed safe, residents were allowed to return to their homes. A fire department spokesperson confirmed that the police took control of the scene by morning.
A nearby bakery employee noted that the café owners were away on vacation at the time of the incident. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed whether it was a deliberate act.
Possible connection to Mocro-Mafia attacks
This latest explosion is not an isolated event in Cologne. In recent weeks, the city has experienced several similar attacks on homes and businesses, which authorities believe may be linked to the Mocro-Mafia, a criminal organization operating mainly out of the Netherlands. The group has been associated with multiple attacks, and speculation has risen that this incident could also be related.
Residents have expressed concern over the ongoing violence. “It’s worrying,” said local resident Ralf Kurz in an interview with the Deutsche Presse-Agentur. “This has been going on for a while now, and we’ve already experienced several attacks here in Cologne. It seems like these explosions might be connected.”
Authorities believe the recent violence could be tied to gang disputes, possibly over unresolved debts. Cologne’s Chief of Criminal Police, Michael Esser, suggested that the motive might involve a failed drug transaction, with 300 kilograms of cannabis at the center of the conflict. The group that was swindled may be trying to recover either the drugs or financial compensation. These tensions have been linked to two kidnappings in the Cologne area in late June and early July.
While investigators continue to explore potential connections between these incidents, no conclusive evidence has been found linking this latest explosion to the criminal gang. A police spokesperson stated that there is still no confirmation of foul play in the recent explosion. The investigation remains ongoing.
