The Hague, December 8 (IANS). Dutch authorities have confirmed the recovery of five bodies from the debris of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion on Saturday morning. The search for other victims of the accident is ongoing.
Emergency services had already warned that the death toll could be as high as 20, Xinhua news agency reported.
Mayor Jan van Janen said at a press conference, “The reality is that the victims have very little chance of survival. We are preparing for the worst-case scenario.” At the same time, the condition of two persons rescued earlier in the day remains critical.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schuof said in a post on the social media platform X that he was shocked to see pictures of damaged apartment buildings.
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima also expressed their condolences to ‘X’, saying, “We sympathize with all those who have been personally affected”.
Let us tell you that this incident happened on Tarvekamp Street in the north-eastern Maria Hove District of The Hague. Photographs taken from the scene show that the front facades of several apartments have collapsed. The building consists of shops on the ground floor and two residential floors above.
The causes of the explosion are being investigated. Police said, immediately after the blast, a car was seen speeding away from the spot. The investigating officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
–IANS
SCH/MK
