A series of powerful explosions rocked a residential block in The Hague, Netherlands, early Saturday morning, claiming the lives of at least five people. The blasts, which occurred around 6:15 AM local time (5:15 AM GMT) in the Tarwekamp area, caused a section of the three-story building to collapse. Emergency crews rushed to the scene to respond to the unfolding tragedy, but with parts of the site still unstable, rescuers face a dangerous and painstaking task.
The cause of the explosions remains unclear, but police reported that a car was seen driving away from the scene at very high speed shortly after the blasts. Authorities are appealing for witnesses as they investigate this suspicious activity, which has added a layer of unease to an already devastating event.
Mayor Jan van Zanen has cautioned the community to brace for the “worst-case scenario,” warning that the chances of pulling additional survivors from the rubble are slim. Although initial estimates suggested up to 20 people may have been in the affected flats, the mayor declined to confirm this, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding the disaster.
The explosions destroyed five flats and injured four others. Rescue teams, supported by sniffer dogs and heavy machinery, are working around the clock to sift through the debris. Lighting has been set up at the site to assist their efforts, but the scale of the devastation and safety concerns continue to hamper progress.
For residents of the area, the shock of the explosion has been profound. Fourteen-year-old Adam Muller, who lives nearby, described the terrifying moment to AFP. “I was asleep and suddenly there was this huge bang,” he said. “I looked out of the window and just saw flames. It’s a massive shock.”
The tragedy has reverberated throughout the Netherlands. National Police Commissioner Janny Knol acknowledged the community’s feelings of disbelief and uncertainty as they await updates on those still unaccounted for. Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima offered their condolences, stating, “We sympathize with all those who have been personally affected or who fear for the fate of their loved ones.”
As investigations continue, the Netherlands remains in mourning. With questions swirling over what caused the deadly explosions, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and bringing clarity to this heartbreaking incident.
