Possible explosion at Eindhoven home: Resident extremely fearful of "targeted" attack

A possible explosion at a block of flats in Eindhoven has left residents shaken and concerned for their safety. Police told NL Times the apparent blast during the early morning hours on Saturday could have been caused by a heavy explosive, like a hand grenade or a Cobra-6 firework, but an initial investigation was inconclusive.

Whatever took place created a force strong enough to completely shatter the front door window of a three-flat building, said a resident who wished to remain anonymous. She said pieces of debris went flying, tearing up the walls, closets, and interior doors including the entry to her apartment.

Police confirmed they were dispatched to the Verwerstraat in the Gildebuurt neighborhood just before 3:45 a.m. However responding officers were not able to initially pinpoint what happened, and were unable to gather enough evidence to launch a more comprehensive investigation.

"I'm scared shitless and police said they can't do anything," said the victim to NL Times. "I am 99% sure I was targeted." 

She said she is obviously concerned, and has a few thoughts on who might have committed the crime, but she did not want this information published. Police would not confirm or deny that they were looking into the conduct of a specific suspect due to privacy concerns about the victim, and so as to not compromise any impending investigation.

Residents were initially unable to contact the owner of the building, who resides in Malta, and were trying to work with building management to arrange for a maintenance worker to fix the front door on Saturday. Once the owner was reached, he hired contractors to take care of the damage. 

He told NL Times his workers found no remaining evidence that an explosion had taken place in front of his building. The maintenance crew replaced the glass and fixed the front door, but for the fearful resident, the repair work alone cannot heal the emotional damage.

She said she saw one person leaving the scene by bicycle shortly before the vandalism took place. "The thing is I somehow woke up one second before the [bang]. I woke up, I saw a shadow getting up and leaving on a bike." She heard what sounded like an explosion just after the man rode past her bedroom window.

A spokesperson for the city confirmed that a resident heard a big bang, and added that police did not uncover enough details for local politicians and authorities to hold a meeting to discuss any threats to the neighborhood.

"I haven't slept one bit. I'm in a constant state of alertness," the victim said. "I'm going to a hotel because I'm afraid now; I can't sleep in this house again."