In the town of Alpen, North Rhine-Westphalia, a residential house was rocked by an explosion, leading to a subsequent fire.

The incident was reported in the evening, and emergency services, including the fire department, are currently on the scene.

It remains unclear whether anyone was inside the house at the time of the explosion.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, according to a police spokesperson.

Authorities are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding this alarming event.