Explosion in the Cologne restaurant: Police hunt two fugitives!

Explosion in the Cologne restaurant: Police hunt two fugitives!

On the night of June 19, 2025, there was a dramatic explosion in Cologne that caused excitement in the neighborhood. Shortly after 4:30 a.m. there was a huge detonation in a restaurant on the corner of Deutz-Kalker Straße and Deutzer Ring. The force of the explosion shattered windows and threw chairs onto the sidewalk. Fortunately, no one was in the restaurant during the explosion, so there were no injuries.

The police immediately cordoned off the area and began an investigation. Witnesses reported that two unknown men fled towards the Deutz Technical University immediately after the bang. It is currently unclear whether these men are viewed as suspects or possible witnesses. The rheinische-anzeigenblaetter.de reports that the police and the public prosecutor's office are now urgently looking for more witnesses and are accepting tips. Witnesses are asked to contact us on 0221 229-0 or by email to poststelle.koeln@polizei.nrw.de.

A suspected drug deal as a trigger?

Investigators suspect the explosion may be related to a drug deal gone wrong. According to a report by WDR it is about 300 kilograms of cannabis, which apparently were not paid for. It could be a group trying to get their money back or at least claim damages. The masterminds of these incidents are believed to come from the Dutch drug scene.

Yesterday's explosion is part of a series of violent clashes involving drug trafficking and conflicts. Other incidents, such as shootings at a watch shop in the Niehl district, also appear to be linked to such disputes, even if they do not directly relate to the explosion. The police have already gained initial information here, but many questions remain unanswered.

A call for help

The investigation is still in full swing and the Cologne police rely on the public's help. According to presseportal.de, further information is not expected until Friday afternoon. It therefore remains to be seen what new information the officers can gain and whether the suspects' escape can be quickly solved.

The situation remains tense for residents and business people in the area. Security in the city is continually being tested, and many are wondering how deeply rooted these conflicts are. In the new reality, it is not only important that such acts are quickly solved, but also that civic engagement in clarifying these facts is encouraged.