Authorities in the Netherlands have apprehended three individuals in connection with the catastrophic explosions that ravaged an apartment complex in The Hague, resulting in the deaths of six people and leaving the community deeply traumatised.
The explosion, which took place at 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT) on Saturday, obliterated five residences in the Tarwekamp district of the city.
Police are investigating all possible causes of the incident, with the arrests indicating a possible criminal element.
The suspects are currently in restrictive custody, permitted to communicate only with their legal representatives, and are scheduled to appear in court later this week.
“Further arrests cannot be ruled out,” officials have stated.
On Saturday night, we encountered residents navigating through the rain between fire engines and police vehicles.
The normally tranquil neighbourhood has been deeply affected by the loss of six individuals and the uncertainty surrounding the cause and potential reason for the explosion.
Four individuals were rescued from the debris of their homes.
Several vehicles have been confiscated, though it remains unclear if any include the car seen speeding away from the scene shortly after the explosion.
Police have received numerous tip-offs and are urging more witnesses and those with footage from pet cameras or dashcams to come forward.
Forensic teams are ready to continue their investigation once the crime scene is declared safe. The explosion’s repercussions extend beyond the immediate fatalities.
Four people were hospitalised, including two who were asleep in the basement of a bar at the time and were treated for smoke inhalation.
A bridal shop adjacent to the bar was destroyed, while another ground-floor bar’s wine stock surprisingly remained intact. An artist’s studio was also entirely decimated.
Many residents were evacuated and remain in temporary shelters while structural damage assessments are conducted.
Frances Ibiefo
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