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Explosions and Fire Devastate Central Utrecht’s Visscherssteeg, Buildings Partly Collapse

Police report no sign of a criminal act, with a detected gas leak now under investigation for any role.

Overview

  • Two blasts in the Visscherssteeg triggered a major blaze that caused severe structural damage and partial collapses in multiple properties.
  • Firefighters are working only from the outside due to instability, using an additional crane, specialist collapse teams and drones, with smoke limiting visibility.
  • Officials say the fire is not yet under control, though the risk of spread has been reduced as crews gain better access to the seat of the fire.
  • At least four people were injured and taken to the UMC Utrecht calamity hospital, with the mayor noting two treated on scene and two transported after the incident.
  • Evacuated residents are being sheltered at Hotel Karel V as authorities check utilities and assess which homes are safe to reenter while the investigation continues.