Five dead, more feared missing after The Hague flat explosions
3 min read
At least five people have been confirmed dead and several others injured following explosions that rocked a block of flats in The Hague, Netherlands, early on Saturday morning. Authorities have expressed concern that more victims may still be trapped in the rubble, and rescue operations continue in the aftermath of the blast.
The explosions occurred at around 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT) in the Tarwekamp area, which is home to a three-story building. The force of the blasts caused the collapse of several homes in the residential complex, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood. Firefighters were quick to respond to the scene, but parts of the building remain too unstable for rescuers to access safely.
The mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen, addressed the media, stating that the exact number of missing individuals was still uncertain. He did not speculate on the potential number of victims but emphasized the devastating scale of the incident. Authorities have confirmed that five people have died, while at least four others have been injured.
Rescue teams, including sniffer dogs, have been deployed to search through the debris for survivors. However, van Zanen warned that the chances of finding additional survivors were slim. The mayor urged residents and officials to brace for the worst outcome, acknowledging that the situation was dire. While it was initially feared that up to 20 people might have been in the flats at the time of the explosion, authorities have refrained from confirming the exact number.
The cause of the explosions remains unclear, though Dutch police have launched an investigation into the incident. A vehicle was reportedly seen leaving the area “at very high speed” shortly after the blasts, prompting police to appeal for witnesses who may have information. The authorities have yet to confirm whether the explosion was accidental or caused by criminal activity.
Five flats are reported to have been completely destroyed in the explosion, leaving significant damage in its wake. In addition to emergency crews, large excavators have been brought in to clear debris and help with the search for survivors. Lighting has been set up around the site to aid in the rescue efforts, as the operation continues into the evening.
One witness, 14-year-old Adam Muller, described the terrifying moment of the explosion to the AFP news agency. He recalled that the blast “felt like an earthquake.” Muller had been asleep when the explosion occurred, but he was jolted awake by the sound of a massive bang. Looking out of his window, he saw flames engulfing the building. He described the event as a “massive shock.”
The community around Tarwekamp is in a state of disbelief, with residents left grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. National police commissioner Janny Knol remarked on the uncertainty and fear that has gripped the local population. The explosion has left many people in the area worried about their neighbors and loved ones, with the scale of the destruction adding to the shock.
In response to the tragedy, Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima issued a public statement expressing their sympathy for those affected by the explosions. They extended their heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and to those who are still anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones. The royal couple’s statement conveyed the national sense of grief and solidarity in the wake of the disaster.
As the investigation continues, Dutch authorities are focusing on determining the cause of the explosions. They have not ruled out the possibility of foul play but have also suggested that the blast could have been caused by a technical malfunction or another unforeseen factor. In the meantime, rescue operations remain ongoing, with teams working tirelessly to recover those trapped in the rubble and to prevent further casualties.
The tragedy has brought attention to the vulnerability of residential areas and the devastating impact of such explosions on local communities. The Dutch public remains on edge as officials work to determine the full scope of the disaster and provide answers to the many unanswered questions surrounding the events.
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