Overview
- Emergency services evacuated parts of the city center and sealed streets as rescue helicopters and large numbers of firefighters responded.
- Multiple structures collapsed and a major fire ignited, with a fire service spokesperson describing a “gigantic” explosion and debris and shattered glass strewn across nearby streets.
- Search teams, including canine units, reported no victims found in initial sweeps, though unstable buildings have limited thorough entry and authorities have not fully ruled out additional casualties.
- Hospitals activated trauma capacity and the Red Cross mobilized volunteers, while displaced residents from damaged homes were given temporary shelter.
- Police and safety officials are investigating the origin of the blast, with a gas leak under examination and no definitive cause announced.