A powerful explosion in the Mariahoeve neighborhood of The Hague early Saturday destroyed several apartments, injured multiple people, and left others potentially trapped beneath rubble, according to local authorities.
The blast occurred before dawn, with residents reporting a loud bang followed by screams. Some initially mistook the explosion for an earthquake. Part of the affected apartment complex collapsed, and a fire broke out shortly after, complicating rescue efforts.
Emergency teams have rescued four people from the rubble and transported them to nearby hospitals for treatment. Officials have warned that others may still be trapped, as specialized urban search-and-rescue teams equipped with dogs trained to locate victims continue their work at the scene.
Witnesses described hearing a child crying for help amid the chaos. Photos shared on social media showed widespread devastation, with an area covering several apartments reduced to smoldering rubble and debris. Emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, remained stationed nearby as the search continued.
A spokesperson for a local hospital confirmed that medical teams were on standby to handle additional injuries. Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock at the destruction and pledged government support to assist local authorities.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
news.sky.com
