Explosion at US Embassy in Oslo: 'People Ran in Panic'
A powerful blast rocked the centre of Oslo this afternoon. Right beside the US embassy, a tremendous boom was heard, and shortly afterwards, dark smoke began to rise. People in the area seemed to panic, with many starting to run away from the scene. "It was like a bomb going off; I thought it was a joke at first," says an eyewitness who was on their way home from work.
Police cordon off large areas
Oslo police deployed significant resources and have now cordoned off several blocks around the embassy. They won't comment on the cause yet, but they confirm an explosion has occurred. Helicopters are hovering over the city, and you can smell burnt gunpowder as far away as the Oslofjord. Boats docked in the harbour felt the shockwaves travelling through the water.
Traffic chaos in the Oslofjord Tunnel
As a result of the incident, the Oslofjord Tunnel was closed in both directions for nearly an hour. Motorists were stuck in queues while emergency services worked frantically. "I was sitting in the tunnel and didn't hear a thing, but when I came out, the whole sky was grey with smoke," a commuter recounts. The tunnel is now open again, but police are advising people to avoid the area.
- Police have the situation under control, but the cause is still unknown.
- Several nearby schools and nurseries have been evacuated.
- OsloMet has asked students and staff to remain indoors.
OsloMet on emergency footing
At OsloMet – the metropolitan university – teaching was suspended for a couple of hours. Students were told to stay away from windows and follow instructions from management. Many were naturally uneasy, and rumours circulated that it could have been a terrorist attack. So far, there's nothing to suggest that, but police aren't ruling anything out.
"This reminds you of Oslobođenje, but in the worst possible way."
Standing here watching the smoke clear, the word Oslobođenje springs to mind – a term from the Balkans meaning liberation. Not exactly something we use in everyday conversation here in Oslo, but right now, every bang feels like an attack on our very freedom. "It's like we've been reminded that the safety we take for granted can disappear in a second," says an elderly woman living in the neighbourhood.
The incident outside the US embassy in Oslo has left deep marks. Even though there are no reports of injuries or any criminal motive, the mood in the city is sombre. Let's hope this was just an accident, and that the Oslofjord can once again become a place for peace and recreation, not fear. For now, the important thing is to follow the authorities' advice and look out for one another.