Overnight explosion triggers house fire in Almere, leaving one critically injured

A powerful overnight explosion and fire at a home in Almere left one person critically injured and forced the evacuation of nearby houses, according to police.

The incidents were reported in the early hours of Sunday in the Danswijk neighborhood, where residents said they were jolted awake shortly after 2 a.m. by a loud blast. Residents told a local photojournalist they were awakened by a "loud bang."

Police said the explosion occurred in a house on Swingstraat, where a fire immediately broke out and spread through the property.

Roof tiles were blown loose, and both the façade and the interior were left completely blackened. The victim, whose current condition has not been released, was taken to a hospital with severe injuries.

Police said the cause of the explosion is still unknown.