The dramatic explosion in a high-rise building in Ratingen near Düsseldorf with multiple life-threatening injuries to the fire brigade and police has left many questions unanswered. Also on Friday, the detectives were looking for explanations as to how the explosion in the apartment could have happened – and whether the emergency services may have been ambushed.
The Düsseldorf public prosecutor’s office is investigating whether it concerns attempted manslaughter or attempted murder. In addition, the identity of a woman’s body that was found after the arrest of the 57-year-old German in the apartment where he lived with his mother must be clarified. According to dpa information, the woman had died a long time ago.
Interior minister ‘not quite sure’
North Rhine-Westphalia’s interior minister Herbert Reul was cautious about the alleged perpetrator’s motive. About a possible corona denier background, he said on Friday morning: “I’m not entirely sure.” The man had also been strikingly striking in criminal terms, albeit with minor crimes.
confusion of names?
Reul had said on Thursday that the 57-year-old had “remained mentally in the corona denier environment”. That would be the result of an initial investigation on social media. According to media reports, it could also be a name change. A police spokesperson confirmed this possibility.
‘A fireball came towards the colleagues’
The police had described with harsh words what happened in the high-rise on Thursday evening. Accordingly, emergency services were called due to concerns about a resident whose mailbox was overflowing. When the police and fire brigade were at the door of her apartment on the 10th floor, it was suddenly ripped open by the 57-year-old son. “There was an explosion immediately, a fireball immediately came towards the fire brigade and police colleagues,” said police spokesman Raimund Dockter.
Five seriously injured rescuers
A 25-year-old policewoman and a 29-year-old policeman were seriously injured. “22 others suffered minor injuries,” police said. In addition, seven firefighters were seriously injured, three of them critically.
How the explosion was actually caused has yet to be determined, Dockter said. After that, the suspect also started a fire, making it difficult to enter the apartment and investigate the case. The man may have wanted to lure the emergency services into a trap, but cannot be confirmed at this time.
Special forces in the skyscraper, snipers on the balconies
During the large-scale operation, special forces had secured the entire high-rise and snipers had positioned themselves on the balconies of the apartments opposite. Special forces eventually stormed the apartment and arrested the 57-year-old. Wrapped in a rescue blanket and wearing a breathing mask, police say he was left home with “serious injuries” and taken to an ambulance – whether caused by the explosion or the arrest is still unclear.
“Whoever has stood before the fire will carry it with him for the rest of his life”
The mayor of Ratingen, Klaus Pesch, expressed his disgust. “Those who were in the front of the fire – that’s 10 to 12 people with the most severe burns – and who hopefully survive this will certainly carry it with them for the rest of their lives.” Some victims had severe burns of up to 80 percent of the skin surface. “There really is hope and fear.”
Source: Krone
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