International

The Hague building collapse: Search for survivors underway

A three-story residential building in The Hague collapsed on Saturday morning after a powerful explosion, as reported by CNN.

Emergency services rushed to the scene, and search and rescue teams are working tirelessly to locate survivors trapped beneath the rubble.

The explosion occurred around 6:15 AM local time, according to local fire departments. A subsequent fire erupted, further complicating rescue efforts. The Dutch newspaper Telegraaf reported that emergency services have recovered 20 casualties so far.

Witnesses described hearing a child's cries for help from the wreckage, but the intense fire prevented rescuers from reaching the source of the sound. By 11:30 AM, firefighters had largely extinguished the blaze, but the unstable structure of the building limited the scope of the search and rescue operation.

Local authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion and have appealed to the public for any information regarding a vehicle that fled the scene shortly after the incident.

Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof expressed shock and sorrow over the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims and their families. The royal family also conveyed their sympathies, emphasizing the nation's collective grief.

Translation by Iurie Tataru

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