Three people presumed dead following explosion in Rotterdam apartment building

The fire has now been extinguished.

A major explosion in Rotterdam has left two people injured, three presumed dead, and 44 homes destroyed. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, but the damage is serious.

The explosion occurred last night in a car garage in Schammenkamp, Rotterdam and was so great that the car was blown from the garage into the street.

A devastating fire then broke out.

Injured and feared dead

Two people living above the car garage were injured, one seriously.

“An injured person was immediately brought outside by neighbours and taken to hospital with serious injuries,” a spokesperson for the safety region tells the NOS.

One resident tells RTL Nieuws how the explosion caused his neighbour (and the couch he was sitting on) to fall through the ceiling.

The spokesperson also tells the NOS that three people are missing following the explosion and fire. These people are now presumed dead.

Homes damaged and uninhabitable

While the fire has been extinguished, it is not yet safe to enter the building and search for the missing people. The fire brigade is waiting to search through the rubble for the victims.

A whopping 44 homes have been left with damage so great that it’s not possible for the residents to return.

These people have been given temporary housing in hotels or with family members.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮

Feature image:Depositphotos

Accuracy, clarity, and a touch of humour — that’s DutchReview. Read our editorial mission.

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over five years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

Can you open a Dutch business bank account before registering with the KVK?

Starting a business in the Netherlands often comes with a classic chicken-and-egg conundrum; you need a bank account to operate, but the bank wants...

7 things you need to keep for your accounting as a ZZPer in the Netherlands

Going freelance in the Netherlands is an appealing move for many internationals — flexible hours, being your own boss, and no more awkward office...

Should you hire a dismissal lawyer in the Netherlands? Here’s 6 times that answer is yes

Let's be honest: when you lose your job in the Netherlands, calling a lawyer probably isn't the first thing on your mind. Here's the...

It's happening

Upcoming events