Four dead in Hague building collapse

THE HAGUE: At least four people died Saturday when an apartment complex in The Hague collapsed after a huge explosion and fire, authorities said, with little hope of finding survivors under the rubble.

The blast and resulting inferno destroyed at least five homes but it was not clear how many people were buried in the debris, Mayor Jan van Zanen told reporters.

Police confirmed that three bodies had been pulled from the wreckage, as fears mounted that the toll could rise much higher.

An AFP reporter on-site saw scenes of devastation with debris strewn across the street, burned-out cars, blown-out windows and huge plumes of smoke.