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Utrecht City Centre Explosions: Cordon Narrows as Repairs Advance

Investigators consider a gas explosion the leading scenario, with heavy damage limiting safe access for forensic work.

Overview

  • Authorities report no fatalities or missing persons, and four people suffered minor injuries after Thursday’s blasts and fire on Visscherssteeg.
  • Parts of the sealed zone reopened Friday, including Boterstraat, Zadelstraat, Mariaplaats and part of Visschersplein, and some buildings regained utilities while unstable sections remain closed.
  • Stichting Salvage and repair teams are assisting residents and businesses, as Centrummanagement Utrecht warns several Springweg properties are structurally unsafe and some operators face prolonged closure.
  • Most vehicles trapped in the Springweg parking garage have now been retrieved during special access windows; the garage is closed again and remaining owners must contact the municipality.
  • The cause inquiry continues under access constraints, with Stedin crews working in the area and the animal ambulance noting three cats still unaccounted for.