Powerful explosion has erupted in the center of the western German city of Cologne. The authorities announced that a "major police operation" was underway, "Bild" reported.
Police in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia said the road between two central places in Cologne - Rudolphplatz and Friesenplatz - was closed and urged citizens to avoid the area.
One building was seriously damaged as a result of the explosion. The cause of the explosion is not clear.
The area is famous for its nightlife and is full of bars and restaurants.
Local radio station Radio Cologne reported that one person was slightly injured, but the information was not confirmed by police. | BGNES
