THE HAGUE: At least four people died when an apartment complex in The Hague collapsed after a huge explosion and fire on Saturday, authorities said.
The blast and resulting inferno destroyed at least five homes but it was not clear how many people were buried in the debris, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters.
Authorities confirmed that four bodies had been pulled from the wreckage, as fears mounted that the toll could rise much higher.
Firefighters tackled the blaze from the ground and from huge cherry-pickers, as ambulances carried the injured to the hospital and police helicopters circled overhead.
“It is not known how many people are still under the rubble. But the reality is that there is only a slim chance of survival for them,” said the mayor.
However, hours later, a survivor was plucked from the debris and taken to hospital, the fire service announced.
The cause of the blast was not immediately clear but police appealed for information about a car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion.
After firefighters had extinguished the blaze, heavy construction equipment moved in to try to clear the rubble. Elite rescue workers trained to recover survivors from natural disasters scoured the debris, with the help of sniffer dogs.
Authorities warned locals to keep their windows shut and turn off ventilation systems due to the smoke.
Around 40 residents of other blocks near the collapsed building have been evacuated. Some have been taken away by bus to an unknown location.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X that he was “shocked by the terrible images of a collapsed apartment building in The Hague.” “My thoughts go out to the victims, all other people involved and the emergency services who are now working on the scene,” said Schoof.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander wrote on social media: “We sympathise with those personally affected or who are worried about their loved ones.” – AFP
