Explosion in Amsterdam-West injures four, residents forced to jump from burning building
An explosion ripped through an apartment building on Orteliusstraat in Amsterdam-West early Tuesday, injuring four people and forcing several residents to jump from their homes to escape the flames.
Police reported receiving a call about an explosion around 12:30 a.m. “Residents heard a loud bang. An explosive device was found. After the explosion, a fire broke out, which in turn caused a gas leak,” a police spokesperson told RTL.
The blast severely damaged the building’s entrance and ignited a fire in the stairwell, cutting off the primary escape route for residents on the upper floors. According to police, several people trapped by thick smoke chose to leap from first-floor windows.
Emergency responders evaluated about ten residents at the scene. Four people required treatment for inhaling smoke. One of the injured also suffered a foot wound from jumping out of the building.
Firefighters managed to rescue other residents from different apartments. After extinguishing the fire, crews discovered a small gas leak, preventing residents from immediately returning to their homes. Authorities could not confirm whether residents would be able to sleep in their homes Tuesday night.
Police have launched a criminal investigation and are appealing for witnesses. “Did you see or hear anything? Do you have footage from a dashcam or video doorbell? Let us know,” the police urged. Those preferring to share information anonymously are asked to call 0800-7000.
