Explosion rocks the Hague: Emergency code issued for 20+ victims
At least a few people were injured due to an explosion and fire in a residential building in The Hague. A rescue operation is ongoing, local media report.
Residents of Tarwekamp Street in The Hague were awakened by a powerful explosion on Saturday morning. Some reported that their "house shook," relays the portal nu.nl.
The incident occurred around 5:15 AM (Greenwich Mean Time). According to the portal Regio15.nl, the three-storey building partially collapsed. Several flats were damaged.
"At this moment, the emergency services are busy rescuing and searching for people and fighting the fire," journalists report.
So far, four people have been taken to hospital, but there may be more injured. Emergency services have issued a so-called "code 20," which means they expect even more than 20 victims, reports the portal Regio15.nl.
It is not yet known what caused the explosion or the exact number of people trapped under the debris.
After the explosion, a fire broke out, causing significant smoke in the area.
"The fire is releasing a lot of smoke in the immediate vicinity... Residents are advised to close windows and doors and turn off ventilation," local firefighters appealed.
