Huge fireball rips through major city as smoke seen for miles

A huge fire erupted in the city of Hamburg, Germany, causing explosions and flying debris. Images shared online showed thick grey plumes of smoke billowing above the city's skyline.

Shrapnel was thrown from the scene, and police had to close both directions of the A1 motorway due to fires and flying metal debris. The fire department responded with several fire engines to the industrial area in the Veddel district this afternoon.

Footage showed the moment explosions were heard by onlookers as a huge cloud of smoke quickly grew.

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