Explosion damages homes, injures 4 in Netherlands
Firefighters extinguish the fire at the scene of an explosion in Utrecht, Netherlands, Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (AP Photo/Ahmad Seir)
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 midafternoon, 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 spokesperson Sjaak Haasnoot said the four people injured were taken to the city’s hospital.
