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An explosion and fireplace rocked a neighborhood within the Dutch metropolis of The Hague early Saturday, destroying a number of flats and injuring a number of folks, police stated.
The reason for the catastrophe is unclear however police stated a automotive drove away from the scene “at very excessive velocity” shortly after.
It’s nonetheless unknown how many individuals could also be lacking, although CBS News partner BBC reported emergency first responders are in search of as much as 20 folks considered within the destroyed flats. Authorities stated 4 folks have been rescued from the rubble and brought to the hospital.
Phil Nijhuis / AP
Native media reported that a type of hospitalized was a toddler. In addition they reported that at the very least 5 flats have been destroyed within the blast.
“The fireplace is releasing plenty of smoke within the fast neighborhood… Residents are suggested to shut home windows and doorways and switch off air flow,” authorities stated, in line with AFP.
Phil Nijhuis / AP
A line of ambulances may very well be seen ready close by in anticipation of extra victims. The native hospital spokesperson stated they have been on standby to cope with accidents.
Residents of the northeastern neighborhood of Mariahoeve in The Hague heard an enormous bang and screams earlier than daybreak. One girl informed native media that she thought an earthquake had occurred.
“I used to be asleep and all of a sudden there was this large bang,” 14-year-old Adam Miller informed AFP. “I seemed out of the window and simply noticed flames. It’s a large shock.”
Phil Nijhuis / AP
Dutch authorities deployed a specialised city search and rescue group to the scene, with 4 canine skilled to search out victims. The group was beforehand used through the devastating earthquake in Turkey in 2023.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof stated in a press release he was shocked by the pictures of the catastrophe. “My ideas exit to the victims, all different folks concerned and the emergency providers who at the moment are engaged on the scene,” he stated.
The Dutch royal household expressed comparable sentiments.
“Our ideas are with these affected in The Hague after the explosion and fireplace this morning,” together with these “who’re afraid of the destiny of their family members,” King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima stated in a press release.
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