Building collapse in Utrecht due to explosion and fire: several injuries

A strong explosion in the Dutch city of Utrecht caused several buildings to collapse. The incident left at least four people injured while emergency crews continued to search the area amid fears that more victims could still be trapped under the debris.

The blast struck a historic part of the city, where multiple buildings were badly damaged. Those who were injured were taken to the hospital, while firefighters carefully searched through unstable ruins. Thick smoke was visible rising above the city center from afar.

Authorities said the cause of the explosion remains unknown, and it is still unclear whether anyone else is trapped beneath the rubble. As a safety measure, streets surrounding the site were closed off. Firefighters used ladders to access damaged structures, while shattered glass and debris littered the ground.

Utrecht’s mayor warned that there was a serious possibility people were still buried under the wreckage. A nearby hospital activated its emergency trauma response, and the Red Cross appealed for volunteers to help with relief efforts.