Explosions in the Netherlands have caused extensive damage to buildings, and it is feared that several people have been left injured.
At least one person has sustained injuries following the blasts on Visscherssteeg in Utrecht’s city centre at around 3.30pm. The victim’s condition remains unclear.
A major fire has since broken out, prompting an emergency response from the local fire and ambulance services, according to local reports.
Surrounding buildings have been left destroyed, with smashed windows and debris scattered on the streets.
‘I live on the other side of the center and even here the windows were shaking from an explosion,’ one resident wrote on X.
Images from the scene show large plumes of smoke billowing above the area.
Two trauma helicopters landed in nearby Lepelenburg Park while a police helicopter continues to circle the area.
Police are expecting more explosions, an officer told a reporter at the scene.
‘Nothing can be said yet about the cause of the explosions,’ a police spokesperson said.
Residents are being urged not to approach the area as investigations into what caused the explosions are carried out.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.