Headlines
Explosion causes large fire in Dutch town of Utrecht, four injured
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on January 15, 2026
Major Explosion in Utrecht Causes Fire and Injures Four People
Overview of the Utrecht Explosion
AMSTERDAM, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Several people were injured after a major blast caused a fire in the center of Utrecht, one of the Netherlands' largest cities, on Thursday afternoon.
Injuries and Emergency Response
Local authorities told broadcaster NOS at least four people were injured, and that an emergency hospital had been set up in the area.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
"The cause is still unknown... this happened in a building... at the moment we have four people injured," said Sjaak Haasnoot, a firefighters' spokesperson
The fire was still raging around 1730 GMT. It was unclear if there were still people inside the impacted building, as it was not safe for firemen to enter it.
"We are not sure whether there are still people trapped under the rubble, which is definitely there... the police are working hard on the investigation," said Utrecht's mayor Sharon Dijksma.
(Reporting by Benoit Van Overstraeten and Marta Fiorin; Editing by Bart Meijer/Sudip Kar-Gupta)
Frequently Asked Questions about Explosion causes large fire in Dutch town of Utrecht, four injured
1What is an explosion?
An explosion is a sudden and violent release of energy, often resulting in a loud noise, shockwave, and destruction of surrounding structures. Explosions can be caused by various factors, including chemical reactions, gas leaks, or mechanical failures.
2What is emergency response?
Emergency response refers to the organized approach to addressing urgent situations, such as natural disasters or accidents. It involves mobilizing resources, personnel, and equipment to manage the incident effectively and ensure public safety.
