At least four individuals have sustained injuries, with concerns raised about potential individuals being trapped under debris subsequent to a significant explosion that caused the collapse of multiple structures.
Emergency response teams swiftly responded to the incident in the heart of Utrecht, Netherlands, after receiving reports of a sequence of explosions that ignited a fire around 3 pm. Residents sought refuge in nearby shopping areas while firefighters endeavored to suppress the flames in Visscherssteeg.
Video footage captured massive flames bursting from buildings amidst explosions, enveloping the city center in a thick plume of smoke and scattering debris throughout the streets.
Due to structural damage resulting from the explosions, buildings became unstable with visible cracks, preventing firefighters from entering. Consequently, the fire is being extinguished externally, aided by drones. Authorities anticipate that firefighting efforts will continue into 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, reported that four injured individuals were transported to ambulances, with the possibility of more individuals being trapped beneath the rubble. The severity of the injuries sustained by the known four individuals remains undisclosed.
Haasnoot remarked, “Determining the exact number of individuals trapped under the debris is currently challenging. The volatile state of the building hinders the fire department’s entry.”
Authorities have advised the public to steer clear of the affected area. An official statement from emergency services indicated ongoing investigations into the safest approach for searching the damaged and collapsed buildings to ascertain the presence of any remaining individuals. Extensive damage has been reported in the vicinity.
Eyewitness Margot Schroevers described the moment of the explosions to NOS, stating, “I immediately sensed the severity of the situation. The ground was trembling.”
The Utrecht Safety Region cited heavy smoke causing “limited visibility,” impeding emergency services. They emphasized the prioritization of safe searching and confirmation of individuals within the impacted structures.
Assessment of each building segment is being conducted to determine the feasibility of emergency personnel entering safely, with gas shut off in the affected zone. Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma informed the press that the police are probing the incident, with the cause of the explosion yet to be determined.