A powerful explosion and fire in Utrecht, Netherlands on January 15th injured at least four people, with witnesses reporting two loud blasts and building damage.
Powerful explosion in center of Utrecht
On Thursday (January 15) at approximately 3:30 PM, services received reports of a “powerful explosion” on Visscherssteeg in Utrecht. This is a narrow street in the center of the city located in central Netherlands. Shortly after, a fire also broke out at the scene. Witnesses report hearing two strong explosions. Those standing about 200 meters away described shaking ground and windows being blown out to journalists. Photos taken from a bird’s-eye view show that several buildings were destroyed.
There are injured
Many emergency services have been dispatched to the rescue operation, but they do not have a complete picture of the situation. Many ambulances are on standby, but it’s not known how many people were actually in the buildings. Police are asking passersby if anyone is missing to assess how many people may still be in the damaged buildings. According to authorities, at least four people were injured. Officers warn that the situation has not been brought under control and urge people not to approach the area.
