Smoke and explosion after fire breaks out by gas station in Germany

An explosion has been reported after a fire broke out near a gas station in western Germany, police said on Friday morning, with the exact circumstances initially unclear.

The fire brigade was called at 8:18 am (0718 GMT), a spokeswoman said, adding that a large cloud of smoke could be seen over the city of Castrop-Rauxel. A number of witnesses said they had heard an explosion.

Firefighters have been deployed to the scene, which is located in an industrial area of the city, according to the city administration.

It was initially not known whether anyone was injured while the cause of the fire was also unclear, a spokeswoman said, adding that two helicopters have been deployed.

Residents have been advised to keep windows and doors shut. Smoke was also drifting across the nearby A42 motorway, with drivers asked to slow down.