Rescue efforts are ongoing in Amsterdam following an explosion at a gym
In the Netherlands, in one of Amsterdam's neighborhoods, search and rescue operations have been underway since last night at the site of an explosion in a gym. Rescue workers are clearing debris and checking to see if anyone is trapped under the rubble. The circumstances of the incident and the possible causes of the explosion are being investigated.
The incident occurred in the western Amsterdam district of Nieuw-West around midnight on June 11. A powerful explosion occurred in the building, which houses a 24-hour gym. Immediately afterward, seven injured people were pulled from the rubble, two of whom have serious injuries.
On Friday afternoon, it was reported that rescue services have information indicating that there may still be victims under the rubble.
Due to the risk of collapse of what remains of the building, a crane was brought in to remove dangerous structures. Further debris removal is being carried out manually, which is safer for potential victims; the work may continue until evening.
The cause of the explosion in the building is currently unknown. The gym owner says that video footage of the explosion suggests the blast originated below the floor where the gym is located. Among other things, gas pipes ran through that area. However, the local gas network operator says there are no clear signs yet that gas was the cause.
Due to the incident, residents of a neighboring 9-story building were evacuated and have not yet been allowed to return. About a hundred of them, who had no option to stay with relatives or friends nearby, were placed in a hotel. Throughout the morning, rescue workers carried pets out of the apartments that their owners had left behind in the rush.
Preliminary assessments indicate that the high-rise building did not suffer critical damage from the blast wave and residents will be able to return.
This was reported by NOS.
As a reminder, the Dutch government is allocating an additional aid package of 248 million euros to provide the Ukrainian army with modern drones. The announcement was made by the country’s defense minister, Dilan Yesilgöz-Zegerius, at a regular meeting in the “Ramstein” format.
Meanwhile, Germany is strengthening Ukraine’s long-range capabilities through joint drone production.
