A building collapses in The Hague after an explosion

2024-12-07 19:30:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Rescuers are searching through the rubble of a three-story residential building in The Hague that collapsed after an explosion caused a fire on the morning of December 7.

The cause of the explosion is still not clear, but the Police appealed for information after a car was seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion.

At least five homes were destroyed in the incident, authorities said, but it remains unclear how many are trapped under the rubble.

The emergency teams sent four people to the hospital immediately after the building collapsed, as teams specialized in rescuing survivors from natural disasters began searching under the ruins.

Plumes of smoke were seen coming out of a large hole that had been created at the site of the collapsed building.

After firefighters extinguished the fire, heavy equipment was used to clear the site of the debris.

Authorities have warned residents to keep windows closed and turn off ventilation systems due to the smoke.

Forensic investigators have launched an investigation into the possible cause of the fire.

"Shortly after the explosion, around 06:15, a car left the scene at high speed," the Police said in a statement.

"The police want to contact the people who saw the car leaving or the people who have footage of this moment from the security cameras."

The three-story building had shops on the ground floor and five apartments on two floors, authorities said.

Hospitals in the area have been prepared to treat the victims. Residents told local media that mostly elderly people and families with children lived in the building that collapsed.

About 40 residents of other construction blocks, located near the collapsed building, have been evacuated.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote in X that he is "shocked by the terrible sight of the collapsed building in The Hague".

He said that he is in communication with the city authorities and promised that the Government will provide the necessary assistance./ REL