Fire broke out in the Cologne subway: large-scale operation at Ebertplatz – "You can hardly breathe"

Created: 08/10/2022 17:27

By: Tanja Kipke

The Cologne fire brigade is in action with a large contingent at Ebertplatz.

© Thomas Banneyer/dpa

A fire broke out in the subway at Ebertplatz in Cologne.

Several people were injured, and the fire brigade is on site with a large contingent.

Cologne – A fire broke out in the subway station at Ebertplatz in Cologne on Saturday afternoon (October 8).

This was confirmed by a police spokesman.

All roads in the Ebertplatz area are currently closed.

Passers-by reported a strong smell of smoke.

Subway fire in Cologne: several people injured - "You can hardly breathe"

According to initial information from

and

, at least five people were taken to hospitals.

As an Express employee reports, one can “barely breathe” on the street.

This is probably also the reason why the fire brigade on Twitter asks everyone to avoid the area on a large scale.

Some streets in the city center have therefore been closed for the time being.

The fire broke out around 2 p.m. for reasons unknown.

Rail traffic is also currently interrupted at Ebertplatz.

According to WDR information, it is still unclear whether the fire started on the train or on the tracks.

All train occupants were able to exit the train independently.

Among the injured is the train driver who tried to put out the fire.

The population of Cologne fell in 2021 - more than it has in around 40 years.

Cologne city center in particular is apparently unpopular.