At least five people have died and four others have been injured following a series of explosions that struck a block of flats in The Hague, Netherlands, according to local authorities.
Firefighters responded swiftly to the three-storey building in the Tarwekamp area after the blasts, which resulted in the collapse of several homes, occurring around 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT) on Saturday.
Mayor Jan van Zanen revealed that it remains uncertain how many individuals are still unaccounted for. While the cause of the explosions has not yet been determined, Dutch police reported that a car fled the scene “at very high speed” shortly after the blasts and are seeking witnesses to come forward. Van Zanen noted that the likelihood of finding survivors in the rubble is slim and urged the community to brace for a “worst case scenario.”
Initially, it was believed that up to 20 people may have been in the flats when the explosions occurred, but the mayor refrained from speculation on this figure.
The Dutch fire service confirmed that five individuals have been declared dead, and local media reported that five flats were completely destroyed in the explosions.
Rescue teams utilizing sniffer dogs have been deployed to search through the wreckage, although parts of the site remain too hazardous for access. Heavy machinery has been brought in to assist with debris removal, and additional lighting has been set up at the scene.
Fourteen-year-old Adam Muller recounted the incident to the AFP news agency, describing the explosion as feeling “like an earthquake.” He added, “I was asleep when suddenly there was this huge bang. I looked out the window and saw flames. It’s a massive shock.”
National Police Commissioner Janny Knol remarked on the “disbelief and uncertainty” felt by the local community in the aftermath of the tragedy.
In a statement expressing their condolences, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima said, “We sympathize with all those who have been personally affected or who fear for the fate of their loved ones.”
Credit: BBC News
