Explosion Hits U.S. Embassy In Oslo, Causing Minor Damage, Police Say

OSLO, March 8 (Reuters) – The U.S. embassy in Oslo was hit by a large explosion early on Sunday, causing minor damage but no injuries, Norwegian police said.

Eyewitnesses said that the explosion was heard from the embassy building in the west of Oslo at around 01:00 in the morning and smoke rose from the area.

“There was a very thick layer of smoke on the street,” said 18-year-old high school student Sebastian Toerstad, who was passing by the embassy at the time of the incident.

“There was some damage to the entrance,” Toerstad told Reuters.

Oslo police said the explosion occurred at the entrance of the consulate section.

Later, two police technicians wearing white overalls were seen working in the area.

Police said there were no other explosives in the area.

“Investigations were conducted at the scene with the help of dogs, drones and a helicopter, searching for one or more potential perpetrators,” the Oslo police department said in a statement. The statement was included.

The embassy did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

(Reporting by Terje Solsvik and Gwladys Fouche in Oslo, additional reporting by Sergio Non in Washington; Editing by Franklin Paul and Sonali Paul)