On Tuesday evening there was an explosion in a toilet facility in the Marktschlösschen on the market square in Halle (Saale). Two girls, aged 12 and 13, were seriously injured and a 51-year-old woman was slightly injured.
Around 6 p.m., witnesses reported via emergency call that they heard an explosive noise in the area of the market square. Fire brigade, rescue service and police forces found the three injured people in the area of a public toilet facility.
Property damage was caused to the affected part of the building, the amount of which cannot yet be quantified. The danger area was cordoned off within a radius of approx. 100 meters and residents were evacuated from the area. Tram traffic was discontinued in the area of the market square.
After completing the investigations, an acute danger might be ruled out, whereupon the extensive barriers were lifted around 10 p.m. The immediate damage location in the area of the toilet facility remains closed. The house itself can be entered once more.
According to the current status of the investigations, a tragic accident in the area of the toilet facility is assumed. There were no indications of a possible gas accident. Investigations into the exact cause are ongoing.
