THE HAGUE, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- An explosion followed by a fire injured four people in the Dutch city of Utrecht on Thursday afternoon, local authorities confirmed.
Two people were treated at the scene by ambulance crews, one person with minor injuries was taken to hospital, and a fourth individual - a bystander who became unwell after the incident - was also hospitalized, Utrecht Mayor Sharon Dijksma told a press conference. She said no one was seriously injured and no people have been reported missing.
The Utrecht Safety Region said the fire in the city center has been brought under control. Specialist teams are beginning searches for anyone who may still be trapped under the rubble, although authorities do not expect to find any victims. Several nearby buildings sustained significant damage and will be inspected for possible structural instability.
Dutch public broadcaster NOS reported that a loud explosion was heard at about 3:30 p.m. local time before a major fire broke out in a residential building.
Mayor Dijksma said a gas leak had preceded the explosion, though it remains unclear whether it was the direct cause. She confirmed that the leak has been sealed.
"All possible scenarios are being investigated. However, at this moment, a criminal act does not appear likely," Dijksma said.
