THE HAGUE, Netherlands — An explosion and hearth rocked a neighborhood within the Dutch metropolis of The Hague early Saturday, destroying a number of flats and injuring a number of folks, in line with authorities.
The reason for the catastrophe is unclear, however police mentioned they’re on the lookout for a automotive seen leaving the scene.
Emergency authorities mentioned 4 folks have been rescued from the rubble and brought to the hospital, however couldn’t say how many individuals should be underneath the rubble. Native media reported that a type of hospitalized was a baby.
A line of ambulances might be seen ready close by in anticipation of extra victims. The spokesperson for the native hospital mentioned that they had been on standby to take care of accidents.
Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard an enormous bang and screams earlier than daybreak. One lady advised native media that she thought an earthquake had occurred.
Dutch authorities deployed a specialised city search and rescue staff to the scene, with 4 canines skilled to search out victims. The staff was beforehand used throughout the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof mentioned in a press release he was shocked by the photographs of the catastrophe. “My ideas exit to the victims, all different folks concerned and the emergency companies who at the moment are engaged on the scene,” he mentioned.
The Dutch royal household expressed comparable sentiments. “Our ideas are with these affected in The Hague after the explosion and hearth this morning,” together with these “who’re afraid of the destiny of their family members,” King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima mentioned in a press release.
