Explosion hits US Embassy in Oslo

The US Embassy in Oslo was hit by a powerful explosion early on Sunday morning, causing minor damage but no injuries, Norwegian police said.

The explosion was heard from the embassy compound in western Oslo at around 1 a.m. (00:00 GMT) and smoke rose from the area, witnesses said.

‘There was a very thick layer of smoke on the street,’ said 18-year-old high school student Sebastian Toerstad, who was driving past the embassy at the time of the incident. ‘The entrance was damaged,’ Toerstad told Reuters.

Oslo police said the explosion occurred at the entrance to the consular section. Later, two police technicians in white coveralls were seen at the scene.

According to police, no other explosive devices were found in the area. ‘An investigation was carried out at the scene with the help of dogs, drones and a helicopter in order to find one or more potential perpetrators,’ the Oslo police said in a statement.

(reuters su)