“Indications of a crime” at The Hague apartment explosion that killed 5, says Justice Min.
Justice Minister David van Weel has revealed there are indications of a crime following the twin explosions and subsequent fire that devastated the Tarwekamp apartment complex in The Hague on Saturday. “There are indications of a crime,” Van Weel said. “However, I cannot elaborate on what these indications are due to the ongoing investigation.”
The police, however, refrained from confirming the minister’s statement. “We do not share the minister’s words at this time,” said a police spokesperson. “It is one of the scenarios we are investigating.” The Hague police also emphasized that other possibilities remain under consideration.
The bodies of five victims were found hours after a series of explosions and a raging fire ripped through the complex. At least four people were hurt, two critically, and it was not clear if more victims were under the rubble. Police said a suspicious vehicle raced away from the scene moments after the explosion at 6:15 a.m.
Prime Minister Dick Schoof and Minister Van Weel visited the site on Saturday afternoon, accompanied by Mayor Jan van Zanen. The officials were briefed by firefighters and emergency personnel on their extensive response efforts.
The explosions, which occurred early Saturday morning, destroyed multiple residences and left significant damage in their wake, displacing residents and sparking an outpouring of community support.
After surveying the damage, Schoof and Van Weel traveled to the Mariahoeve Community Center on Ivoorhorst, where they privately signed a condolence register.
Meanwhile, a fundraising campaign organized by the local charity Lichtpuntjes voor Mariahoeve surpassed its goal of 250,000 euros on Sunday afternoon, raising 250,037 euros through 8,911 individual donations.
Launched on Saturday, the initiative seeks to provide relief to the displaced families, offering essentials like clothing and food. Volunteers at the charity’s store in The Hague are distributing donated items and ensuring meals for those temporarily housed in hotels.
