THE HAGUE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- An explosion and subsequent fire broke out in Utrecht, the Netherlands on Thursday afternoon, local media reported.
According to Dutch public broadcaster NOS, the municipality and the safety region of Utrecht reported that a very large fire was raging in a house after "people heard a loud bang." At least one person was injured.
Firefighters are still working to extinguish the fire. At least 10 ambulances are on the scene. Several streets around the building are closed. The University Medical Center in Utrecht is opening a special department in the hospital following the explosion and fire.
Dutch news agency ANP confirmed that the building next to the one where the fire is raging has partially collapsed. The affected buildings are being disconnected from gas supply.
