An emergency incident is unfolding in Utrecht after reports of an explosion.

16:14, Thu, Jan 15, 2026 Updated: 16:14, Thu, Jan 15, 2026

Utrecht explosion

Utrecht explosion (Image: X)

A "gigantic explosion" has been reported in the Dutch city of Utrecht as debris is pictured spread across a street in the city centre.

According to reports, the blast has caused at least one person to be injured, with smoke billowing above. Firefighters are battling the blaze, local reports say. Initial reports also said at least 10 people were injured.  A total of four explosions were reported to the emergency services, local media said. 

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Video from the scene

Another journalist has shared this video showing firefighters tackling the blaze after the explosions. 

Homes and businesses evacuated

People were evacuated from their homes and businesses in the Mariaplaats and Springweg areas of the city.

Emergency services are tackling the fire

A Dutch journalist, Jeroen van der Veer, shared a video on X [Twitter] showing emergency services tackling the fire. 

Reports of four explosions

Firefighters responded to reports of a house fire.

According to the AD newspaper, several people were present in the stairwell of a parking garage at the time of the explosions. They reported a total of four explosions.

The roof of a house next to the garage was completely blown off, and flames immediately shot high from the building, 112 Nederland also said.

Multiple calls to emergency services

112 Nederland reported that the emergency services received multiple reports, including one of an explosion, near an area of the city called Mariaplaats.

Cause of the explosion not yet confirmed

The cause of the explosion and the following fire has not been confirmed yet. 

There are at least six ambulance vehicles on the scene.

Emergency services on the scene

NL Times, an English-speaking local media, said the explosion was heard at around 3.30pm today (January 15) in the city centre. 

At least a half-dozen ambulances were sent to the scene, and a medical trauma team was dispatched to the area by helicopter. Police began to cordon off the area, while fire department workers tried to tackle the flames, the NL Times also reported.

'At least 10 people injured'

At least 10 people were injured, initial reports say. Here is another video shared on X [Twitter] by residents in Utrecht.

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