On the morning of Saturday, December 7, at approximately 6:15 AM, a severe explosion followed by a fire struck an apartment building on Lännggas in The Hague.
The number of injured and the extent of the damage are still unclear at this time.
Rescue workers have recovered six bodies and pulled one person alive from the rubble.
Four injured victims have been hospitalized, with two in critical condition.
The identities of the six deceased have been confirmed: two women from The Hague, aged 17 and 41, a 31-year-old man from Voorburg, and a 45-year-old man from The Hague.
A tragic family loss: an 8-year-old boy lost his parents (aged 45 and 41) and his 17-year-old sister in the explosion but managed to escape himself.
Search efforts continue to locate more victims under the rubble, though chances of survival are slim.
Authorities are investigating the cause, including the possible involvement of a speeding car seen leaving the area.
Nineteen households around the disaster site on Tarwekamp cannot return home for the time being. Some residents have been accommodated in a hotel by the municipality.
Evacuated residents are being assisted at a temporary shelter while emergency services work overnight to manage the aftermath.
Events and Emergency Response
Around 6:15 AM, emergency services were called to the scene. The explosion caused significant damage across multiple floors of the building. Immediately afterward, a fire broke out, complicating the evacuation of residents. Firefighters responded with extensive equipment and took hours to bring the fire under control. Residents have been accommodated at a nearby shelter.
The police and fire brigade are currently investigating the cause of the explosion. “It is a tragic evening for the city,” said Van Zanen.
Press Conference Update
During a press conference, Mayor Jan van Zanen confirmed that one person has died as a result of the explosion. The identity of the deceased is not yet known.
Three injured individuals have been transported to the hospital. Search efforts are ongoing to locate potential victims under the rubble, although the chances of finding survivors are slim.
The visibly shocked mayor described the incident as "unimaginable".
Eyewitness Accounts
“I heard a massive bang and felt the ground shake. When I looked outside, I saw smoke and people screaming,” recounted a shocked neighbor. Other residents reported that windows in nearby buildings shattered due to the force of the explosion.
Investigation into the Cause
The cause of the explosion is not yet known. The police and fire brigade are considering all possibilities, including a gas leak. Further investigation is also underway to determine the involvement of a car that was seen speeding away from the scene around the time of the incident. Technical investigators will conduct a thorough examination of the area in the coming days. The municipality has promised to keep affected residents and neighbors updated on the progress.
Previous Incidents
This is not the first time The Hague has been shaken by such an event. Previous explosions and house fires have led to stricter safety measures, particularly in older buildings. Whether this incident is related to any structural issues will be determined by the investigation.
Continuing Search Efforts
Emergency services will continue searching through the rubble overnight. Authorities remain committed to uncovering any additional victims and gathering evidence to understand the cause of the explosion.
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