Explosion in Netherlands injures at least 4, causes widespread damage

An explosion on a residential street in the center of the Dutch city of Utrecht injured at least four people Thursday, an emergency services official said. The cause of the blast was not immediately known. The explosion, which caused a blaze and widespread damage, occurred mid afternoon, sending people running into nearby shopping streets. Firefighters tried to douse the flames but were not immediately able to enter damaged homes because of fears of structural damage. Emergency services spokesman Sjaak Haasnoot said the four people injured were taken to waiting ambulances. It was unclear if there were any casualties. “It is very difficult at the moment to say how many victims are under the rubble,” Haasnoot said. “The fire department cannot enter the building because it is still unstable.” Police were investigating, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told reporters.

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