Huge predawn explosion rocks Stockholm, no casualties

STOCKHOLM – A predawn explosion rocked central Stockholm Monday, causing damage to buildings and parked cars but no casualties. Swedish police said explosives were used, but ruled out terrorism.

The explosion occurred outside the entrance to a building housing a business and several apartments and led to the evacuation of dozens of apartments. It could be heard several kilometres (miles) away.

Stockholm police chief Erik Widstrand said it was “one of the most powerful we have had in the region.” He added that terror was not suspected and no one has been arrested.

Sweden has in recent years seen explosions and shootings linked to feuding gangs, and Monday’s episode could be linked to that.

Widstrand said forensics were working on establishing what kind of explosives were used.

Several residents told Swedish media that they were awakened by a loud explosion.