UTRECHT, Netherlands — A powerful explosion tore through a residential district in central Utrecht on Thursday afternoon, causing significant structural damage and injuring at least four individuals. Emergency services responded to the scene amid chaotic conditions as the blast triggered a substantial fire and sent panicked residents fleeing into adjacent shopping areas.
According to emergency services spokesman Sjaak Haasnoot, the injured victims were promptly transported to a local medical facility, though the severity of their conditions remains undisclosed. The cause of the detonation has not been determined, with authorities launching a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
Firefighting crews encountered substantial challenges in their response efforts, unable to immediately access damaged structures due to concerns about potential building collapses. Haasnoot indicated rescue teams faced difficulties assessing whether additional victims might be trapped beneath unstable rubble, stating: “The fire department cannot enter the building because it is still unstable.”
Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma addressed reporters at the scene, characterizing the event as having “a huge impact on the heart of our city.” She noted the profound shock experienced by community members, particularly those residing near the explosion epicenter. Municipal authorities arranged temporary accommodation at a nearby hotel for displaced residents whose homes sustained damage.
The comprehensive emergency response included multiple agencies coordinating to secure the area while structural engineers assessed building stability. Investigation teams worked to determine the precise cause of the explosion as recovery operations continued into the evening.