On Saturday morning, multiple explosions caused an apartment building in The Hague to collapse, leaving at least four people injured and six dead. The search for victims is still ongoing.
The explosions, which happened around 6:15 AM on the Tarwekamp, in the Mariahoeve district, destroyed five apartments and several businesses underneath them, reports the NOS.
“Indications of a crime”
Footage from the area suggests that there were three explosions in total, a small one and two bigger ones, resulting in a massive fire that the fire brigades only managed to extinguish around 11 AM.
Although the cause of the explosions remains unknown, the police have said that “there are indications of a crime.”
Specifically, attention has been focused on a car that was seen speeding away from the Tarwekamp soon after the explosions.
Know anything about the incident? As the investigation continues, the police have asked people to come forward with any valuable information by filling out the Tip Form or calling 0800-6070.
Five victims have been identified
On X, The Hague police revealed that five victims have been identified: a man (31) from Voorburg, and a man (45) and two women (17 and 41) from The Hague.
No further information was given on the sixth victim, who was found this morning, or on the people who have been hospitalised.
Major Dutch politicians paid a visit
On Sunday, Prime Minister Schoof, The Hague Mayor Van Zanen and Minister of Justice and Security Van Weel visited the disaster site.
Their comments to the press reflect the gravity of the incident. “It’s intense, like being in a war zone. I’ve been in war zones and that’s exactly what you see,” Van Weel told the NOS.
Today, the Mayor returned to the explosion scene, this time accompanied by the King and Queen.
€350,000 raised for victims
A local organisation called Lichtpuntjes van Mariahoeve started a donation campaign for victims, both those who lost their loved ones or homes and the ones from the about forty apartments that have been evacuated.
The support has been incredible: over the weekend, they kept reaching and raising their goal.
So far, they’ve raised €351,000.
Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup 📮