Blast at US Embassy in Oslo: – People Ran in Panic

A massive bang shook central Oslo this afternoon. Right next to the US Embassy, a thunderous blast was heard, and shortly after, dark smoke began to rise. People in the area seemed to panic, with many breaking into a sprint away from the scene. "It felt like a bomb had gone off; I honestly thought it was some kind of prank at first," says an eyewitness who was on their way home from work.

Police Cordon Off Large Areas

Oslo police rushed to the scene in full force and have now cordoned off several blocks around the embassy. They are not yet commenting on the cause but have confirmed an explosion occurred. A helicopter is hovering over the city, and the smell of burnt gunpowder can be detected as far away as the Oslofjord. Boats docked in the harbour felt the shockwaves travel 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. Commuters were stuck in gridlock while emergency services worked around the clock. "I was inside 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 has now reopened, but police are advising people to avoid the area.

• Police have the situation under control but the cause remains unknown.
• Several nearby schools and daycare centres were evacuated.
• OsloMet has asked students and staff to remain indoors.

OsloMet on High Alert

At OsloMet – the metropolitan university – classes were suspended for a couple of hours. Students were told to stay away from windows and follow instructions from the administration. Naturally, many were anxious, and rumours of a potential terror attack circulated. Nothing currently points in that direction, but police have not ruled anything out.

– This Feels Like a Dark Twist on 'Oslobođenje'

Standing here watching the smoke clear, the word Oslobođenje springs to mind – a Balkan term meaning liberation. It's not exactly a word we use in daily conversation here in Oslo, but right now, every explosion feels like an assault on our very sense of freedom. "It's as if we've been given a stark reminder that the safety we often take for granted can vanish in an instant," says an elderly woman residing in the neighbourhood.

The incident near the US Embassy in Oslo has left deep marks. Although no injuries or criminal intent have been reported, the mood in the city is heavy. Let's hope this was merely an accident, and that the Oslofjord can once again become a place of peace and recreation, not fear. For now, it's crucial to follow the authorities' advice and look out for one another.