It is still unclear how many people are missing in the ruins of an apartment complex in The Hague that was hit by an explosion in the early hours of Saturday morning, the city’s mayor Jan van Zanen has told reporters.

Four bodies have since been recovered from the rubble, and one more person has been found alive. They were taken to hospital. However, it is “extremely unlikely” anyone else will be found alive, Van Zanen told a news conference nine hours after the blast. “We are assuming the worst.”

Earlier the Telegraaf reported up to 20 people could be missing. Three people were taken to hospital this morning.

Doorbell footage seems to indicate there were two small and one larger explosion ahead of the fire at around 6.15 am on Saturday.

Hier de explosies in geluid van onze voordeur camera.
Eerst twee zachtere knallen en daarna de grote.#tarwekamp #explosies #Mariahoeve pic.twitter.com/FmgUXmBmVj

— Sabberdijosia (@SabberDiJosia) December 7, 2024

The mayor declined to speculate on the cause of the blast. “We are looking at all possible causes,” he said.

Police have called for anyone who saw a car speeding away from the scene of the explosion to come forward, and have also appealed for video footage.

Rescue efforts have been hampered by the danger of more of the complex collapsing. Heavy machinery has now been brought in to move rubble and make sure the rest is safe.

The investigation into the cause of the explosions and the ensuing fire has now begun and forensic experts are at the scene to recover evidence.

“It will be a long operation and will go on overnight,” Van Zanen said. “It began as a rescue mission and is now a recovery mission.”