At least four individuals have sustained injuries and concerns linger about potential entrapment in the wreckage following a significant blast that demolished several buildings.
Emergency responders swiftly mobilized to the scene in the heart of Utrecht, Netherlands, upon receiving reports of multiple explosions triggering a fire around 3 pm today. Civilians sought refuge in nearby shopping districts as fire crews endeavored to contain the flames in Visscherssteeg.
Video footage captured towering flames engulfing structures amid explosions, while a dense cloud of smoke blanketed the city center, with debris strewn across the streets.
Due to structural instability caused by the blasts, the buildings exhibited cracks, preventing firefighters from entering. The blaze was being extinguished externally, with drone technology aiding in the operation. Efforts to combat the fire are expected to continue throughout the night.
A specialized emergency team from Alphen aan den Rijn has been dispatched to assist in assessing the partially collapsed buildings for any additional casualties.
Sjaak Haasnoot, a spokesperson for the emergency services, confirmed that four injured individuals were evacuated to awaiting ambulances, with the possibility of more individuals trapped beneath the rubble. The severity of the injuries sustained by the four victims remains undisclosed.
Haasnoot stated, “It is currently challenging to ascertain the number of individuals trapped under the debris as the building remains unstable, preventing the fire department from entering.”
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the vicinity. An official statement from emergency services highlighted ongoing investigations into the safe exploration of the collapsed and damaged structures to ascertain if any individuals remain inside, with reports of extensive damage in the surrounding region.
Eyewitness Margot Schroevers expressed immediate concern upon feeling the tremors from the explosions, noting, “I knew right away that this was bad. The ground was shaking.”
The Utrecht Safety Region reported heavy smoke causing limited visibility in the area, impeding emergency operations. Efforts are concentrated on search and rescue operations within the affected buildings, with each section undergoing evaluation to determine safe entry points with gas supply shut off.
Authorities are conducting an inquiry into the incident, with Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma informing the press that the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined.