Explosion Investigation Underway in Cologne

An explosion early Monday in central Cologne caused damage to commercial property near the Vanity nightclub and resulted in mild injuries to a bystander. German police are investigating the incident but currently do not consider it a terrorist act. Authorities are exploring potential links to a series of recent explosions in North-Rhine Westphalia, which are believed to involve organized crime. The area around Hohenzollernring was cordoned off as police conducted a major operation, and traffic restrictions were later lifted. Witnesses reported seeing individuals fleeing the scene shortly after the explosion, and CCTV footage of a suspect has emerged. The investigation remains ongoing as police examine all possible motives.