A major explosion destroyed several houses on Saturday morning in The Hague, the Netherlands. Firefighters were dispatched in large numbers and are still working to extinguish the fire, according to Dutch media.
Four victims have been transported to the hospital, emergency services reported. Rescuers are still searching for people possibly trapped under the rubble. Since rescuers have been able to search the rubble, three dead bodies have been recovered. It is unclear how many others are buried beneath the buildings' remains.
The incident occurred on Tarwekamp in the Mariahoeve district. The damage is extensive, a photographer from the Dutch news agency ANP confirmed. He estimated that between five to seven apartments were destroyed. Dense smoke emissions are hindering damage assessment. He described a “gaping hole” where the apartments used to be.
Emergency services arrived en masse after a regional emergency plan was activated. Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Dutch police are searching for a car that hurriedly left the scene on Saturday morning. A three-storey residential building partially collapsed following a fire that started around 06:00. The blaze now appears to be under control.
Four people injured in the explosion have been taken to local hospitals, firefighters said. Other affected residents are being assisted and will be provided with temporary housing. More victims may still be under the debris; searches will continue once the area is safe, emergency services stated.
The city’s mayor, Jan van Zanen, visited the site to coordinate rescue efforts. Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed his shock at the "terrible images" on social media platform X. He conveyed his sympathies to the victims, those involved, and the emergency services operating at the scene, assuring all necessary support.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima also expressed their condolences via social media. “We express our sympathy to those directly affected or concerned about their loved ones,” the Dutch royal couple stated.
