Update: Two people dead in Diemen explosion

Two people died during the explosion that rocked Diemen this afternoon; 15 others were injured. The tragedy struck just before 4.00pm. The explosion apparently occurred when a utility worker damaged a gas pipe in the apartment building near Beukenhorst and Eendenpad. The blast blew off the balconies in the front and the back of two apartments. Several other apartments also sustained heavy damage. The explosion pelted debris afar. Fire fighters rushed to the scene and one hour later that were still battling the blaze that that the explosion erupted. Pictures on Twitter show the carnage, with smoke bellowing from the building. Police were still sifting rough the rubbish around 9.00pm, saying that some of the apartments were so unstable it was unsafe to enter them. Floors and roofs of some apartments were totally blown off. Apparently there was danger of the building imploding. It is not clear who the deceased are; of the 15 injured, six were transported to the hospital. The Fire Department reportedly also cautioned residents of the area for dangerous smoke.

Mega-ontploffing gevolgd door grote brand in flat bij ons achter in Diemen-Zuid. Veel brandweer en politie. pic.twitter.com/ZGMJrgEq9P

— Leo Aquina (@leoaquina) September 4, 2014