Two apartment buildings in Utrecht were evacuated on Tuesday evening due to a police operation in the area. Police are investigating a car that may contain hazardous substances. At least 130 people had to leave their homes in a hurry.
The first apartment building on the Aziëlaan had already been evacuated, and around 10:45 PM, emergency services were in the process of partially evacuating a second apartment building. All residents are being accommodated by the municipality in a nearby hotel.
A spokesperson for the security region cannot tell NU.nl exactly how many people are involved. 130 people came from the first apartment building. It is still unclear how many people have been taken from the second apartment building. “Also because people are on summer vacation.”
Now that people have been removed from their homes, the police can safely investigate the substances. Among other things, it is being examined whether they are explosives. The Explosives Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD) is also present.
The Beneluxlaan near the apartment building and the Europaplein are closed until the police know more about the nature of the substance. The closure of both streets is expected to last until after 11:30 PM. Until then, residents will not be able to return home, says the spokesperson for the security region.
Tram traffic between Utrecht and the surrounding towns of Nieuwegein and IJsselstein has also been interrupted.