Five people have been injured in a suspected black powder explosion in a residential property in western Germany.
One person, suffering from burns, was airlifted to hospital by helicopter, whilst four others were taken to nearby hospitals, a police spokeswoman said on Sunday.
Based on initial findings, the police assumed that the powder had been stored in the house in Kirchhundem, east of Cologne
An explosion or deflagration then occurred, injuring several people, the police reported.
Due to the unclear situation, the emergency services did not initially enter the house, according to police.
Experts from the explosive ordnance disposal unit were on their way to the scene.
The cause of the explosion was initially unclear, and the police were unable to provide any details regarding the ages or identities of the five injured people.