Body found after fire in Hillegom homes

Emergency services found the body of an as yet unidentified person after a large fire in three homes in Hillegom on Thursday. The police are working on identifying the victim, NU.nl reports.

The fire started in the homes on Stationsweg early on Thursday morning. Most residents managed to get out safely. Initially two persons were noted as missing, but one was later found. It is not yet clear whether the body found is that of the still missing resident.

All three homes were completely destroyed in the fire. Due to the heat, firefighters were unable to get inside for some time.

Initial reports stated that squatters lived in the homes, but this later turned out not to be the case, according to the newspaper. The rooms were rented out to multiple residents.

The police are investigating the cause of the fire as well as the cause of the victim's death.