The police went on a major operation at the Luisenhospital in the center of Aachen on Monday evening. A “suspicious person” was reported there, a police spokeswoman said, according to the DPA news agency. It continued: “There are currently indications of a possible threatening situation.” According to the information, the person is a 65-year-old woman who barricaded herself in a room at the clinic. It is unclear whether she is armed. Media reports that she took hostages were not initially confirmed.
A hospital employee also reported smoke. The cause was initially unclear. Special police units were transferred to Luisenhospital. The police called for people to avoid the area around the hospital. Rail traffic was also restricted.
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Sources: Cologne Police Headquarters (1), Cologne Police Headquarters (2), DPA news agency