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Police officers were called to a high-rise in Ratingen (D) on Thursday because neighbors were concerned about two residents. In fact, she should only take care of the right thing. But when they arrived, they were victims of a violent explosion.
How did the explosion happen?
The police were called by the management of the apartment building because two residents had not been seen for several weeks and their mailboxes were overflowing. A neighbor told Der Spiegel that the mail was piling up. According to “Focus,” residents also reported an odor of decomposition and burning.
The police called in the fire brigade to force open the door. But when they tried to get in, the resident suddenly opened the door and threw a burning cloth at a gas canister standing nearby, causing a violent explosion. Police spokesman Raimund Dockter tells “Spiegel”: “A fireball came towards the fire brigade and police colleagues.”
What happened next?
The man then started a fire, making it difficult for emergency services to enter the apartment. Officers saw him wielding some kind of flamethrower and heard him explode several times. It took four hours before the apartment could be stormed. Snipers and special units were deployed. With the help of stun grenades, they finally managed to overpower the man. He was arrested with a breathing mask and a rescue blanket and taken to hospital with serious injuries.
How many victims are there?
The number of injured is 31. Two police officers were seriously injured. It concerns a 25-year-old policewoman and her 29-year-old colleague. 22 other police officers suffered minor injuries.
In addition, seven firefighters were seriously injured, three of whom are in mortal danger. The emergency services with life-threatening injuries were put into an artificial coma, Welt reports.
The mayor of Ratingen, Klaus Pesch, is concerned: “Some victims have severe burns of up to 80 percent of the skin.” Although helicopters immediately flew them to special clinics, the marks would remain: “Those who were in the fire and who hopefully survive will certainly carry it with them for the rest of their lives.”
Emergency services also found a body in the apartment, believed to be the man’s 92-year-old mother. She also lived in the apartment. According to the “Mirror”, she had been dead for several days – but this has not been officially confirmed.
On Friday, the “mirror” also reported that a second body had been found in the high-rise. This is evident from confidential documents of the researchers. It is said to be a person in need of care and believed to have died during the mission. The person would have lived on the second floor and depended on hourly care. However, due to the commitment, this could not be guaranteed.
What is known about the perpetrator?
The arrested man is said to be Frank P.* (57). An arrest warrant was allegedly issued against him for failing to pay a fine after being convicted of assault. There are also suspicions that he is a corona skeptic – but this could be a name change. Neighbors describe P. as reserved, quiet and unkempt. According to “Welt”, he intensively cared for his demented mother and avoided contact with the outside world.
Was the act planned?
Police spokesman Raimund Dockter said on Thursday evening that it is “clear” that the perpetrator had prepared. He may have barricaded himself in the apartment on purpose to trap the officers. The “Tagesschau” also reports that Mayor Pesch has seen several jerry cans in the apartment. He also assumes that the act was planned. However, this is not confirmed. An investigation was launched into the attempted manslaughter of Frank P.
*Name known
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
