Explosion destroys buildings and leaves four injured in the center of Utrecht, the Netherlands

Firefighters fight a fire after a strong explosion in Utrecht, in the Netherlands, on January 15, 2026 JEROEN JUMELET / ANP / AFP At least four people were injured this Thursday (15) due to a strong explosion that shook the city center of Utrecht, in the Netherlands, causing several buildings to collapse, authorities reported. ✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp Debris flew through the nearby streets, and firefighters were called to put out a fire at the scene. The causes of the incident are still unclear. There was a “gigantic explosion”, Dutch news agency ANP reported, citing a fire department spokesman. The local emergency department reported that “after the explosion, several buildings collapsed. Four people were injured and taken to hospital.” See the videos that are trending on g1 Authorities asked the population to stay away from the area where firefighters are deployed. “The fire department is investigating how collapsed and damaged buildings can be safely inspected to determine if anyone is still inside,” officials said. “Significant damage was reported in the surrounding area.” A reporter from the AFP news agency saw several firefighters with ladders trying to access the scene of the accident, where the streets were cordoned off and pieces of glass were scattered across the ground. “It is possible that there are still people under the rubble,” Mayor Sharon Dijksma told public broadcaster NOS. Television images showed smoke hovering above the city’s historic center and debris in the streets. Firefighters fight a fire after a strong explosion in Utrecht, the Netherlands, on January 15, 2026 JEROEN JUMELET / ANP / AFP

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