A three-story apartment block in The Hague partially collapsed on Saturday following a fire and explosion, according to firefighters. First responders are currently searching for individuals trapped under the rubble. Four people have already been rescued from the debris and transported to the hospital. Elite teams equipped with sniffer dogs have been deployed to assist in the rescue efforts of those still trapped.
The exact number of missing persons remains unknown, as does the cause of the explosion in the apartment building located near the city center. 'We still don't know how many people might be under the rubble,' stated a police officer at the scene. A reporter observed numerous fire trucks as firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze from both ground level and elevated positions. Police helicopters circled above the area.
Debris was scattered across the street, and several windows were blown out, according to an AFP reporter. Large plumes of smoke were emanating from a significant hole where the building once stood, accompanied by an acrid smell in the air. 'I was asleep and suddenly there was this huge bang,' recounted Adam Muller, a 14-year-old local resident. 'I looked out of the window and just saw flames. It's a massive shock,' he added.
Authorities advised locals to keep their windows closed and turn off ventilation systems due to the smoke. Forensic investigators arrived at the scene to commence their investigation into the potential cause of the accident. Several homes appeared to have been destroyed by the fire, which erupted around 6:15 am (0515 GMT), according to emergency services. The three floors of the building included shops on the ground floor and five two-story apartments, with living rooms on the second floor and bedrooms on the top.
'It was like an earthquake,' described a 53-year-old man who identified himself as Dimi, declining to provide his family name. Early images from public broadcaster NOS depicted several dozen firefighters battling a large blaze and breaking down doors to access the building. Hospitals in the area were on standby to treat victims. Residents informed local media that the apartment block was primarily inhabited by elderly individuals and families with children.
Approximately 40 residents from nearby blocks have been evacuated due to the collapse. Some have been transported by bus to an undisclosed location.
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