It has become known that during Saturday’s fire a resident was injured, despite initial reports indicating that no one required hospital treatment, after a major overnight blaze in an apartment building on Kersengaarde in Voorburg forced balcony rescues and evacuations, Omroep West reported.

The fire broke out around 3:15 a.m. Saturday in the building’s elevator shaft, the fire brigade said. Smoke quickly spread through multiple floors, making hallways and stairwells unsafe. Emergency services were alerted around 3:30 a.m. and escalated the incident to a “very large fire” with Grip 1 status.

Firefighters used an aerial ladder to remove several residents and pets from balconies, while others were escorted to the ground floor. In total, residents from 19 apartments were evacuated. Displaced residents were temporarily sheltered in a bus on Hofzichtlaan as temperatures dropped below freezing overnight.

At least eight fire engines and one ladder truck were deployed, with additional support from Wassenaar, Rijswijk, The Hague, Westland, and Leidschendam-Voorburg. Crews checked apartments for smoke and carbon monoxide, and the fire was declared under control at about 5:24 a.m.

Ambulance crews assessed multiple residents for smoke inhalation and injuries, and officials initially said that “no one required hospital transport.” Firefighters also reported overnight that there were “for the time being, no injuries.”

However, police said Saturday afternoon that one person had been injured and was transported to a hospital for urgent treatment. Authorities did not provide further details about the victim’s condition or the nature of the injuries.

The building sustained significant damage, particularly to the elevator, which is expected to be out of service for months. Authorities are considering installing a temporary elevator.

One apartment has not yet been cleared for reentry as forensic investigators continue to examine the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the fire and are asking anyone with information or camera footage to come forward.