Rotterdam flats, damaged in blast, may have to be demolished

The block of flats in Rotterdam’s Schiebroek district which were badly damaged by fire on Sunday may have to be demolished, broadcaster Nos says on Monday.

Some 150 people were left homeless after the fire, thought to have been caused by a gas explosion. The blast was so loud it broke windows in nearby houses.

‘You cannot imagine that people will be allowed back here,’ Nos reporter Michael de Smit said. Other Nos reporters said the building was already scheduled for demolition, like several others in the neighbourhood.

Safety experts are now assessing if any supporting walls were weakened in the fire and explosion. ‘If this is the case, a lot of work needs to be done,’ said Ruud Matrop. ‘You can’t simply repair them.’

The cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed but is thought to be a gas explosion in the home of an elderly man. He is in hospital with serious injuries.

In total, 13 people were injured in the blast, two seriously.