Four Injured in Utrecht Center Fire After ‘Massive Explosion’

A major fire erupted in Utrecht following a massive explosion, injuring at least four people. The incident occurred at a residence on Visscherssteeg, as reported by the Safety Region of Utrecht. Eyewitness accounts describe the explosion as “gigantic,” and it prompted a swift response from emergency services around 3:30 PM.

Emergency Response and Evacuations

Following the explosions, the nearby Springweg and Mariaplaats streets were closed off. By 5:00 PM, the fire had spread to a bakery located close to the initial site. Firefighters are still battling the blaze, and entry into the damaged structure remains too hazardous due to fears of collapse. Many surrounding buildings have sustained damage, but the exact extent is still being assessed.

Community Impact

• Local residents have been advised to maintain distance from the area.
• Approximately fifty affected individuals are being accommodated at the nearby Grand Hotel Karel V.

Casualties and Medical Response

A contingency hospital has been established in downtown Utrecht, a measure usually reserved for large-scale emergencies. This was the first such activation since the train accident in Voorschoten earlier in 2023, which resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Red Cross is on-site with twenty volunteers assisting with light medical needs, alongside a specialized team supporting the contingency hospital.

Eyewitness Descriptions

Eyewitness Patrick Tomassen, who was working in a nearby parking garage, recalled, “We heard a very loud bang. The garage shook violently.” Others reported seeing injured people on the streets and significant destruction around them.

• Margot Schroevers, located about 200 meters away, described the ground trembling beneath her.
• An eyewitness mentioned the chaos as people ran in all directions after the explosion.

Public Safety and Response Scale

Authorities have escalated the response to GRIP-2, enabling additional emergency services from outside the area to assist. Local officials, including Mayor Sharon Dijksma, are on the scene assessing the situation.

The incident in Utrecht underscores the importance of preparedness and community response in emergencies.