In brief
A large fire with reported explosions has occurred in Utrecht, leaving at least four people injured and significant destruction in the surrounding area. Local authorities suspect that more individuals may still be trapped under collapsed structures, and residents have been evacuated as firefighters face challenges in entering the building due to risks of further collapses.
A large fire has broken out and there have been reports of explosions at a building in the Dutch city of Utrecht. The incident happened near Visscherssteeg, an alley in the city centre. Local media reports there has been extensive damage to surrounding buildings. At least four people are thought to have been injured and the city's mayor told public broadcaster NOS that it was possible more people were still under the rubble. The cause of the fire is not yet known.One eyewitness told RTL News that they had heard a deafening bang and that everything in the alley was destroyed. Other witnesses revealed that the walls and windows of several buildings were blown out, and many nearby shops were damaged. Local residents have been told to evacuate, while members of the public have been advised to stay away from the area. The local fire department stated it was not able to enter the building due to risk of collapse, according to Dutch broadcaster NOS.
