An explosion and fire broke out in a three-story apartment building in the Dutch city of The Hague on Saturday, killing one person and injuring three others, the mayor announced.
According to Reuters, Prime Minister Jan van Zanen told a news conference that the missing people were believed to be buried under the rubble, adding: “It is very unlikely that anyone will be found alive.” Ta.
Van Zanen said there was a small explosion, followed by a larger explosion.
The cause of the explosion is not yet clear, but Dutch authorities said police were appealing for anyone who saw the car speeding away in the immediate aftermath.
The explosion occurred in the Talwekamp district, just three miles from the city centre, destroying several apartments, starting a fire and causing some buildings to collapse.
In a statement translated by Reuters, The Hague Fire Department earlier said four people had been pulled from the rubble and taken to hospital.
Authorities have sent specialist urban search and rescue teams and sniffer dogs to the scene, and rescuers are continuing to search for up to 20 animals believed to have been inside at the time of the explosion, with parts of the scene including: added. It remains too dangerous to access.
Dutch broadcaster NOS interviewed neighbors who said they heard a child crying for help as the building burned.
In a post on X, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schauff said he was “shocked” by the footage of the disaster and offered support to local authorities.
In a statement, the Dutch royal family said: “We sympathize with those who have been personally affected and everyone who fears for the fate of their loved ones.”
Dutch police are expected to provide an update later Saturday.
The Hague is home to several major international courts, including the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
