Several people have been injured after a powerful explosion triggered a fire in a building in the centre of Utrecht, one of the Netherlands’ largest cities.
Local authorities reported that four people sustained injuries and were rushed to the emergency hospital for treatment. “Several buildings collapsed after the explosion,” they added.
The fire, which broke out Thursday afternoon, continued to rage into the evening. Firefighters have been unable to enter the site safely, leaving uncertainty over whether anyone remains trapped inside.
“We are not sure whether there are still people trapped under the rubble… the police are working hard on the investigation,” Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma said.
Authorities described the area as densely populated and said the blast caused “extensive damage.” The cause of the explosion has not yet been determined. Residents evacuated from nearby homes have been accommodated in a nearby hotel for safety.
