At least four individuals have sustained injuries, and there are concerns that others may be trapped in the debris following a significant explosion that caused multiple buildings to collapse.
Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene in the heart of Utrecht, Netherlands, after receiving reports of a series of explosions that ignited a fire around 3 pm. As the incident unfolded, people sought refuge in nearby shopping areas while firefighters worked to contain the flames in Visscherssteeg.
Videos captured massive flames engulfing the buildings, accompanied by explosions, as a thick plume of smoke blanketed the city center and rubble littered the streets.
Due to structural damage from the blasts, the buildings became unstable, with visible cracks emerging, preventing firefighters from entering. Drones were deployed to assist in extinguishing the blaze from the outside. It is anticipated that firefighting efforts will continue throughout the night.
A specialized emergency team from Alphen aan den Rijn has been dispatched to assist in searching for potential victims within the partially collapsed structures.
Sjaak Haasnoot, a spokesperson for the emergency services, confirmed that four injured individuals were transported to awaiting ambulances, with the possibility of more individuals being trapped beneath the rubble. The severity of the injuries sustained by the four known victims remains uncertain.
Haasnoot expressed the challenges of estimating the number of victims trapped, emphasizing the building’s unstable condition that hinders rescue operations.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the affected area while the fire department assesses the safety of searching the collapsed and damaged buildings for any remaining individuals. Reports indicate extensive damage in the vicinity.
Eyewitness Margot Schroevers described feeling the ground shake during the explosions, emphasizing the severity of the situation.
Limited visibility caused by heavy smoke is impeding emergency services, according to the Utrecht Safety Region, with a focus on searching and evaluating the affected buildings for individuals in need of assistance.
Each section of the buildings is being evaluated separately to determine the feasibility of emergency responders entering safely, with gas supply in the affected zone shut off. Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma informed the media that the police are investigating the incident, with the cause of the explosion yet to be determined.