A strong explosion rocked the area of Illnau-Effretikon, Switzerland, on Wednesday afternoon, with the sound reportedly heard as far as 15 kilometers away in northern Zurich. The incident prompted a response from local authorities, though officials have stated that the public is not in danger.
According to a spokesperson for the Zurich cantonal police, the explosion occurred in an area known as Luckhausen. Police are currently on scene evaluating the situation and a wide security perimeter has been established.
Early reports indicate some property damage in the region, including broken windows, as noted by online news sources such as Blick and 20 Minuten. Witnesses also reported seeing a significant plume of smoke rising from the area.
The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. According to the “Tages-Anzeiger,” the incident may have originated at a facility used for testing incendiary and explosive devices. Witnesses described the blast as powerful enough to rattle windows and, in some cases, be felt as a shockwave. “We heard it clearly – the customers were frightened,” said one person near the Illnau train station.
Police dispatched a helicopter to assist in assessing the situation. The incident underscores the potential for unexpected disruptions even in typically quiet areas.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
