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Explosions Trigger Major Fire in Utrecht City Center, Leaving at Least Four Injured

Surge measures include a calamity hospital with crews confined to exterior firefighting due to unsafe structures.

Overview

  • At least four people were injured, with patients taken to UMC Utrecht’s calamity hospital after the blasts and fire.
  • Firefighting is limited to operations from outside because buildings are unstable and partly collapsed, so interior searches are paused.
  • An additional crane was deployed as crews reported improved access to the seat of the fire and a reduced risk of spread to adjacent properties.
  • Authorities sealed off Springweg, Mariaplaats and surrounding streets, and displaced residents are being sheltered at Hotel Karel V.
  • The response was escalated to GRIP 2 with many ambulances and two trauma helicopters, and officials have opened an investigation into the cause, which remains unknown.