Rescuers with sniffer dogs were busy Saturday in The Hague searching for possible victims in the rubble of a three-story building that collapsed after an explosion and fire. The cause of the explosion is not yet known. Investigators from the judicial police were dispatched to the scene, reported an AFP journalist.
5 apartments destroyed
“Shortly after the explosion, around 6:15 a.m., a car left the scene at very high speed,” police said in a statement. “The police would like to contact people who saw this car driving or who can provide camera footage,” she said.
At least five apartments were destroyed, authorities said. Four people injured in the explosion were taken to local hospitals, firefighters said.
An AFP journalist on site noted the presence of dozens of fire trucks who battled the fire from the ground and higher positions. Police helicopters flew overhead. Debris is scattered across the street and several windows have been blown out. Huge columns of smoke rose into the sky, spreading a pungent odor into the air.
Residents of the building told local media that the building was mainly inhabited by elderly people and families with children. “I was asleep and suddenly there was this loud noise,” said Adam Muller, 14, who lives in the neighborhood. “I looked out the window and I just saw flames. It’s a huge shock.” Authorities warned residents to close their windows and turn off ventilation systems because of the smoke.
Reactions
“It was like an earthquake,” said a 53-year-old man who gave his name as Dimi, declining to give his last name. “Something collapsed, but we didn’t see where it came from. I know these neighbors. My children go to school with them,” he added.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof said he was “shocked by the terrible images of a collapsed apartment building in The Hague” on X. “My thoughts are with the victims, everyone else involved and the emergency services who are currently working on site,” he continued, promising all necessary assistance.
Related News :