In a shocking incident early on Saturday morning, an apartment building in The Hague partially collapsed following a fire and explosion, leaving at least four people injured. The local fire department reported that the explosion occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m., leading to a significant response from emergency services.
First Responders Spring into Action
Firefighters were quickly on the scene, battling flames and searching for potential victims trapped under the debris. Four individuals have been rescued and transported to the hospital, but concerns persist regarding others who may still be missing.
- Firefighters employed sniffer dogs to aid in search efforts.
- Emergency services included dozens of fire trucks and police helicopters.
- Residents reported a loud bang before the flames engulfed the building.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
Local resident Adam Muller, 14, described the moment of the explosion, saying, “I looked out of the window and just saw flames. It’s a massive shock.” Authorities have advised locals to keep their windows shut due to the smoke.
The building primarily housed elderly individuals and families with children, contributing to the community’s distress.
Official Responses
The Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, visited the site to oversee rescue operations. Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his condolences, stating he was “shocked by the terrible images” and pledged support for the local authorities.
Forensic investigators are currently working to determine the cause of this devastating incident, while police have sought witnesses, particularly to investigate a car that allegedly fled the scene shortly after the explosion.