- Several explosions in an underground car park in Nussbaumen AG claimed two lives on Thursday evening.
- Eleven people were slightly injured. Most of them suffered from smoke inhalation. The residents of several high-rise buildings were evacuated.
- The police assume that it was an accident – a crime or even an attack can be ruled out, the Aargau cantonal police told SRF.
According to the Aargau Cantonal Police, fire-fighting operations were successfully completed during the night and initial measures to secure the underground car park were started. There is great chaos in the garage and there is immense material damage. Parts of the garage are in danger of collapsing.
The explosions occurred on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. A large mushroom-shaped cloud rose above the community near Baden and could be seen from far away. The detonations could be heard far beyond the community, as various sources confirmed to SRF. They occurred in the area of an underground car park, as the Aargau cantonal police informed on site later that evening. After the explosions, a fire spread to several floors of an apartment block.
Several fire departments and rescue services as well as three helicopters were deployed until late. Extinguishing activities were completed before midnight and rescue operations were continuing, it was reported.
More than 100 residents of six high-rise buildings connected to the underground car park were evacuated. Most were able to return to their apartments during the evening. Many of the others found shelter with relatives and friends, police said. The municipality organized emergency accommodation for some. The two people who were killed were found in the underground car park.
Because drones were hindering the helicopters, the police urgently asked all pilots to bring their aircraft down to the ground. As a spokeswoman for the Aargau cantonal police explained, the helicopters were not only flying rescue missions, but were also used by the fire service for aerial reconnaissance. The cause of the fire was unknown in the evening. The Ennetbaden-Obersiggenthal road was closed. It was recommended to avoid the area in Nussbaumen as much as possible, also in order not to hinder the rescue operation.