Overview
- Emergency services cordoned off streets around Visscherssteeg and Mariaplaats after multiple blasts sparked a major fire and brought down several buildings.
- Rescuers conducted systematic searches, including with dogs, and had not found trapped victims, though authorities have not ruled out that possibility.
- Hospitals activated trauma protocols and the Red Cross appealed for volunteers as a large multi‑agency response deployed, including two rescue helicopters.
- Firefighters and engineers are performing structural safety checks and controlled entries to assess damage and secure unstable properties in the historic center.
- Investigators have not identified a cause; local reporting has cited a possible gas leak, and officials say there is currently no indication of deliberate external involvement.