In Utrecht, a series of explosions have wreaked havoc, causing significant damage to numerous buildings and leaving several individuals injured.
A massive fire erupted in the city center, specifically on Visscherssteeg, around 3:30 PM. This incident has triggered a swift response from local fire and ambulance services.
Four people have been reported injured as a result of the explosions, and authorities are currently conducting a thorough search for any additional victims.
“There is a possibility that individuals could still be trapped under the debris,” Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma stated.
Firefighters on the scene described the event as a “gigantic explosion.”
The blasts have left surrounding structures severely damaged, with shattered windows and debris littering the streets and sidewalks.
‘I live on the other side of the center, and even here the windows were shaking from an explosion,’ one resident wrote on X following the blast.
Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the historical city center and rubble strewn across the cobbled streets.
Emergency services are at the scene of a large fire at a house on Visscherssteeg
Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the area
Surrounding buildings have been left destroyed, with smashed windows and debris scattered on the streets
Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the area
‘I knew right away that this was bad,’ said one witness, Margot Schroevers. ‘The ground was shaking,’ she added.
Two trauma helicopters landed in nearby Lepelenburg Park while a police helicopter continues to circle the area. Six ambulances raced to the scene.
Rescuers also evacuated homes and businesses on Mariaplaats and Springweg.
A building has partially collapsed, and police are expecting more explosions, an officer told a reporter at the scene.
‘Nothing can be said yet about the cause of the explosions,’ a police spokesperson said.
The affected buildings will be disconnected from the gas supply, but residents are being urged not to approach the area as investigations into what caused the explosions are carried out.
‘Numerous units have been called in to assist. Everyone is therefore asked to give emergency responders space and not to approach the incident area,’ the emergency services office stated.
UMC Utrecht has activated its Calamity Hospital, which can rapidly accommodate a large number of casualties.
The facility is purpose-built to scale up to full operational capacity within half an hour during disasters or other large-scale emergencies.
The Dutch Red Cross has now called on Red Cross volunteers to go to the disaster hospital.
Debris at the scene
Firefighters work to extinguish a large fire at a residential house in Visscherssteeg, Utrecht
Residents are being urged not to approach the area
‘Our emergency response team is on site and is supporting the emergency services in the centre,’ they said on X.
A spokesperson explained that the emergency response team consists of nine people.
‘They can, for example, assist with minor injuries if any arise,’ they said.
Following the incident, the D66 Party Leader, Rob Jetten, took to X to thank the emergency services for their rescue work.
‘Disturbing images from Utrecht following the explosion in the city centre,’ he said.
‘Much strength to everyone involved and anxiously awaiting more clarity.
‘Great thanks to the emergency services who are now scaling up and pulling out all the stops. Give them the space to do their work’.
