A powerful explosion in a residential building in Odense early Sunday morning prompted a security alert until February 15.
According to TV2, a violent explosion rocked a residential building in the city of Odense early Sunday morning, causing windows to fly out of several apartments and a fire to break out in one of the apartments, but no serious injuries were reported among the residents, according to the Fyns Politi.
Details of the explosion in the early morning hours
Police reported receiving a call at 2:29 a.m. about a fire caused by an explosion at a residential complex located at the intersection of Nyborgvej and Korsløkkevej streets, part of the Korsløkkeparken district. Authorities confirmed that the explosion caused extensive damage, with doors and windows blown off the front and rear facades of the building, and parts of the walls shifting due to the force of the blast.
Evacuation of residents and no injuries reported
Fyn police explained that 11 people were inside the building at the time of the explosion. They were evacuated and taken to a nearby shelter. Police confirmed that no one sustained serious injuries, noting that only one person suffered minor bruises. Police Inspector Christian Rasmussen described the incident as "extremely lucky" that no one was killed.
Fire in a second-floor apartment
TV2 reported that the fire broke out in an apartment on the second floor of the building following the explosion. Firefighters initially extinguished it, but returned an hour later after it reignited. TV2 journalist Simon Flening confirmed that emergency teams handled the situation with extreme caution due to safety concerns.
Testimonies from residents of the area
As local resident Madeleine Lundsby Thomsen recounted, she was awake around 2:30 a.m. when she heard a loud explosion. Speaking to TV2 Fyn, she said she felt a strong jolt in her apartment door, adding that she immediately realized it wasn't fireworks. She explained that she went out onto her balcony and saw a bright orange light and flames in one of the apartments.
Security deployment and intensive investigations
Police deployed a large force to the scene, and forensic teams and explosives experts from the Danish Armed Forces, along with emergency services, were also involved. Police imposed a temporary drone ban over the area, explaining that the measure was intended to allow them to use their aircraft without hindrance during the investigation.
Inspection zone and heightened security measures until February 15
Finn police announced in an official statement that they have established a search zone and a heightened security cordon in Odense following the explosion. These areas include Korslukkeparken, the residential complexes near Nyborgvai, the Vollsmose area, as well as adjacent parks and the area surrounding the Rosengårdscentret shopping center and the Bilka department store. The police clarified that these measures will be in effect 24 hours a day until 7:00 PM on February 15th.
Suspicion of criminal activity
Police confirmed from the outset that they were treating the explosion as a criminal act. Police Inspector Christian Rasmussen stated that the investigation was focusing on criminal elements, explaining that "only people without conscience could have detonated an explosive device at the entrance of a residential building." He added that police were currently unable to determine the type of explosive used, whether it was a powerful firework or another substance.
No confirmed link to a previous case
Fyn police indicated they currently do not suspect a link between this explosion and a case dating back to December 2023, when police found a four-kilogram bomb in roughly the same area. That case is currently being heard in Odense Magistrates' Court, where four people have already been convicted, and further charges against three others are scheduled to be decided on February 19.
Municipal comments
Odense Mayor Peter Rahbæk Juel told TV 2 that those who blew up an apartment building were “crazy people,” noting that the city has family-based criminal groups that operate across generations and often engage in violent conflicts that instill fear among residents. He added that he did not have information to prove that these conflicts were the direct cause of the explosion.
Background about the region
Erik Thomsen, head of the crime section at the Fyens Stiftstidende newspaper, told TV2 that several apartments were completely destroyed, suggesting that someone had apparently gained entry through the building's entrance. He added that the area had previously been classified as a vulnerable residential area, but authorities had invested heavily in its renovation, leading to a decline in the open drug trade that had once been prevalent. He explained that one of Odense's well-known gangs, NBV Nyborgvej, had been active in the area.
Analyst and expert opinions
TV2 crime commentator Carsten Norton said it was too early to determine the motive for the explosion, explaining that it could be a conflict between different criminal groups or an internal dispute within the same group. He noted that previous arrests within these circles could create a power vacuum, leading to an escalation of conflicts.
For his part, former police inspector Jens Møller explained that the nature of the damage indicates a severe explosion, noting that the investigation is proceeding along two tracks: the first is technical to determine the nature of the explosive material and to ensure that there are no other materials, and the second is social to determine the identity of the residents of the targeted apartment and whether they are exposed to threats.
The investigation continues and witnesses are being summoned.
Fyn police confirmed they had received several reports and pieces of information from citizens, according to media advisor Mads Boel, as reported by TV2 and cited by the Ritzau news agency. Police urged anyone who saw or heard anything, or who possesses photos, videos, or CCTV footage, to contact them to assist in the investigation.
