A deadly fire erupted at a refugee shelter in Buchholz in der Nordheide, 35 kilometers south of Hamburg, following explosions and reports of arson.

The incident involved 48 containers ablaze and resulted in the death of a 28-year-old resident believed to be responsible for the blaze.

Twenty people were injured, including a critically wounded police officer and a shelter employee with severe burns.

The motive behind the incident remains unclear.

Niedersachsen's Interior Minister expressed shock at the tragedy.

Emergency responders, along with 150 personnel, swiftly contained the fire.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with authorities planning a thorough examination of the site once it has cooled down.

The 62 affected refugees have been relocated to a temporary shelter as the investigation continues.