Nightmare Christmas Eve in Hockeweiler, not far from Trier and 20 kilometers from the German-Luxembourg border. A man was seriously injured in a house fire. There was an explosion followed by a fire, a police spokesperson said on Wednesday.
The fire was of rare violence, as reported by the daily Bild. Debris such as doors and parts of the roof were thrown into the street. The rescue and firefighting work was extremely difficult. No less than 120 firefighters and law enforcement officers were mobilized on site.
Significant resources were mobilized on site. © PHOTO: FF VG Ruwer/Mosel-News-TV/dpa
Several subsequent explosions endangered rescuers, who were unable to enter the house due to the risk of collapse. The flames could only be fought from the outside using a revolving ladder. Two neighboring buildings were also affected by the fire and debris.
An open investigation
A total of five people were injured. The man suffering from serious injuries is the 56-year-old resident of the house.
The judicial police have opened an investigation, reports the press agency dpa.
The damage to the house was extensive, the police spokesperson said. “For the moment, it is not possible to enter.” A fire expert was due to visit the site later today.
No additional details were immediately given, particularly on the causes of the fire.
