Explosion in the Cologne restaurant: Police chase two fleeting men!

Explosion in the Cologne restaurant: Police chase two fleeting men!

In the night of June 19, 2025, there was a dramatic explosion in Cologne, which caused excitement in the neighborhood. Shortly after 4:30 a.m. it detonated tremendously on the corner of Deutz-Kalker Straße and Deutzer Ring in a restaurant. The force of the explosion caused window panes and hurled chairs onto the sidewalk. Fortunately, nobody was in the restaurant during the explosion, so there were no injuries.

The police immediately cordoned off the area and initiated the investigation. Witnesses reported that two unknown men immediately fled in the direction of the Deutz University of Technology after the bang. So far, it is unclear whether these men are considered to be suspected or possible witnesses. The Rheinische-Verschwtebblaetter.de reports that the police and the public prosecutor are now urgently looking for and refer to other witnesses. Witnesses are asked to report to poststelle.koeln@polizei.nrw.de at 0221 229-0 or by email.

a suspected drug deal as a trigger?

Investigators suspect that the explosion may be connected to a failed drug deal. According to a report by WDR, it is about 300 kilograms of cannabis, which were apparently not paid. It could be a group that tries to get their money back or at least demand compensation. The masterminds of these incidents are supposed to come from the drug milieu of the Netherlands.

Yesterday's explosion is part of a series of violent clashes that deal with drug trafficking and conflicts. Other incidents, such as shots on a watch shop in the Niehl district, also seem to be linked to such disputes, even if they do not directly affect the explosion. The police have already gained initial knowledge here, but many questions remain open.

a call for help

The investigation is still in full swing, and the Cologne police are dependent on the help of the population. According to presseportal.de, further information is only expected on Friday afternoon. Therefore, it remains to be seen which new knowledge the civil servants can gain and whether the fleeing of the suspects can be quickly informed.

The Situation remains tense for residents and business people in the area. The security in the city is repeatedly put to the test, and many are wondering how deep these conflicts are anchored. In the new reality, it is not only important that such acts are quickly informed, but also that civil commitment is promoted in the clarification of these facts.