The town’s mayor Jan van Zanen travelled to the positioning to coordinate rescue efforts.
“It was like an earthquake,” mentioned a 53-year-old man who recognized himself as Dimi, declining to present his household title.
“One thing collapsed however we did not see the place it got here from. I do know these neighbours. My youngsters go to highschool with them.”
“My new automobile has additionally been critically broken,” he added.
Early pictures from public broadcaster NOS confirmed a number of dozen firefighters tackling a big blaze and breaking down doorways to realize entry to the block.
An image from native information company ANP confirmed one individual being led away on a stretcher right into a ready ambulance.
Hospitals within the space had been on standby to deal with victims.
Residents advised native media the condo block was primarily inhabited by aged individuals and households with kids.
Round 40 residents of different blocks close to the collapsed constructing have been evacuated. Some have been taken away by bus to an unknown location.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof wrote on X that he was “shocked by the horrible pictures of a collapsed condo constructing in The Hague”.
“My ideas exit to the victims, all different individuals concerned and the emergency providers who are actually engaged on the scene,” mentioned Schoof.
He mentioned he had been involved with the town authorities and promised any assist needed.
Dutch King Willem-Alexander wrote on social media: “We sympathise with these personally affected or are anxious about their family members.”