Explosion reported at Andøya after gunpowder container detonates

A container holding gunpowder exploded in Andenes, northern Norway, on Sunday, police confirmed.

Authorities responded to reports of a loud blast around 12:30 p.m., discovering remnants of a gunpowder container at the scene, according to Vesterålen Online. No injuries were reported, though witnesses described buildings shaking from the force of the explosion.

“This could range from powerful fireworks or pranks to something that shouldn’t have happened,” Kai Henrik Eriksen, operations manager for Nordland police district, told Dagbladet. He acknowledged the incident may have been alarming for nearby residents.

Police have ruled out structural damage or casualties.