House collapses in suspected gas blast in Dutch city
- Local fire services report nine people injured, including three who were pulled from rubble of building
A suspected gas explosion in The Hague has injured at least nine people, trapping one under the rubble of a partially collapsed house, Dutch emergency services said Sunday.
The blast ripped off part of the front of a residential building in the densely populated Laakkwartier suburb. Neighbours said they heard a loud bang around 4.30pm.
Dozens of emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, and a trauma helicopter hovered above as firefighters searched for victims.
“Nine people were injured including three people who were rescued from the rubble,” The Hague fire department said in a tweet.
“A fourth person has been found and will be rescued as soon as possible,” it said.
“Because of the instability of the structure, it has to be done with great care,” it said. There were “no indications that anybody else is trapped,” the department added.