5 people killed after explosion in apartment building in Netherlands
December 08, 2024 11:47
Rescue operations underway at the blast site in Hague, Netherlands/Reuters/ANI Photo
At least five people were killed after an explosion in an apartment building in The Hague, the Netherlands on Saturday, CNN reported, citing authorities.
According to firefighters, the blast occurred at around 6:15 am (local time), causing the three-storey apartment building to partially collapse and set on fire.
They said five different apartments were impacted by the explosion.
The police urged witnesses who might have seen car moving from the spot at a very high speed shortly after the incident occurred.
The Hague mayor, Jan van Zanen, said that the search started as a rescue operation by Saturday afternoon.
However, it turned into a recovery mission, CNN reported.
He said it is not unknown how many people were still under the rubble, but "the reality is that the chances of survival for them are slim."
He said, "We are considering the worst-case scenario."
The Dutch Urban Search and Rescue service deployed a rescue group at the site of the incident on Saturday, which included four dog handlers and a structural engineer.
Firefighters said the fire was nearly out by 11:30 am (local time) and rescue dogs were carrying out search for possible victims.
The dogs could not search the building for long as there was a risk that it could fully collapse, CNN reported, citing Dutch public broadcaster NOS.
According to the report, people from some 40 homes have been evacuated. Speaking to the broadcaster, one man said that his initial thought after seeing the aftermath of the explosion was that it occurred due to a rocket attack.
The man said he heard a child calling for help from the rubble. -- ANI
TOP STORIES
© 2024 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances