Authorities have confirmed that a fire erupted in the Dutch city of Utrecht following a substantial explosion at a residential property, attributing the cause to a gas leak.
The incident, which occurred in close proximity to Visscherssteeg, a central alleyway, on Thursday afternoon, resulted in injuries to at least four individuals. Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma has stated that none of the injuries sustained are considered life-threatening.
While the origin of the gas leak remains under investigation, preliminary assessments suggest that it was not intentional.
Firefighters successfully extinguished the ensuing blaze after several hours of effort.
Visual reports indicated significant smoke plumes emanating from the affected building, with adjacent streets littered with debris and shattered glass.
An eyewitness recounted to RTL News hearing a “deafening bang,” adding that the alley sustained widespread destruction.
Additional reports to the Volksrant newspaper detailed damage to numerous buildings, including blown-out walls and windows, and adverse effects on several nearby businesses.
Local residents were evacuated from the immediate vicinity, and the public was advised to avoid the area during the emergency response.