By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-12-07 12:01:08 | Updated at 2024-12-14 01:42:59
6 days ago
A massive explosion and fire has ripped through several apartments in The Hague's Mariahoeve neighbourhood, leaving multiple people injured and others potentially trapped in the rubble.
Four people have been rescued and taken to hospital following the pre-dawn blast, which destroyed part of an apartment complex in the northeastern district of the Dutch city.
Dutch authorities deployed a specialised urban search and rescue team to the scene, accompanied by four dogs trained to locate victims.
The rescue team, which previously assisted authorities during the 2023 Turkey earthquake, is conducting searches as local hospitals remain on standby for additional casualties.
Four taken to hospital after flames rip through apartment block in Dutch city
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A line of ambulances was positioned nearby, ready to transport any further victims discovered in the wreckage.
Residents reported hearing a huge bang and screams before dawn, with one woman telling local media she believed an earthquake had struck.
A witness told broadcaster NOS they heard a child calling for help as the building burned.
Local media reported that one of those hospitalised was a child, though authorities have not confirmed the identities of the injured.
Images shared on social media platform X from a nearby high-rise revealed the devastating scale of destruction, with five apartments reduced to ashes and rubble.
The local hospital spokesperson confirmed they were prepared to handle incoming injuries.
Multiple ambulances remained stationed near the disaster site, ready to transport any additional victims discovered during the ongoing search operation.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock at images of the disaster, stating: "My thoughts go out to the victims, all other people involved and the emergency services who are now working on the scene."
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima also issued a statement, saying: "Our thoughts are with those affected in The Hague after the explosion and fire this morning," including those "who are afraid of the fate of their loved ones."
Police are searching for a car that was reportedly seen leaving the scene, though authorities have not provided further details about the vehicle.
The cause of the devastating explosion remains unclear as investigators continue their work at the site.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.
