Explosion in Purmerend: police investigating as arson, one injured
A powerful explosion rocked a home on Maasstraat early Sunday morning, leaving one person seriously injured and forcing the evacuation of multiple nearby residences. Police have determined the explosion was deliberate and qualifies as arson.
The incident occurred around 4:10 a.m., when a blast caused a significant fire that quickly spread to two neighboring homes. Emergency services arrived shortly after, evacuating residents from six homes in the affected block.
“One person was transported to the hospital with severe injuries caused by the explosion,” police said in a statement. “Thankfully, their condition is no longer life-threatening.”
Authorities have declared the site a crime scene as they work to uncover the circumstances behind the explosion. "We are keeping all scenarios open," a police spokesperson said, adding that the crime scene has been cordoned off for further forensic examination.
The police are asking residents and businesses in the area to provide any relevant security camera footage from 3:00 a.m. to 5:30 a.m. “If you have any information or recordings, please contact us through our tip line at 0800-6070 or upload footage directly through the online tip form using case number 2024277450,” the statement continued. For anonymous tips, residents can call 0800-7000.
The explosion caused extensive fire damage to the property and neighboring homes. According to the fire department, one person suffered smoke inhalation and was treated on-site, while the injured individual hospitalized earlier is the only person reported with significant injuries.
One household may return shortly, but authorities are coordinating with displaced families to find alternative accommodations. "We are discussing options with the affected families, including whether they can stay with relatives or need other arrangements," the spokesperson added.
The explosion temporarily disrupted district heating for between 75 and 100 homes in the area as technicians shut down the heating system for safety. “Our teams are working as quickly as possible to restore heating to the affected homes,” a representative for the heating service said.
Authorities are still piecing together the events leading up to the explosion and hope witness testimonies and footage will provide critical leads. "If you saw or heard anything unusual, please come forward," the police urged in their statement.
Yesterday, Mayor Ellen van Selm voiced concern about the increasing frequency of explosions across the Netherlands. “Explosions are such a terrible form of crime. They have a significant impact. As a municipality, we are evaluating what is needed right now,” Van Selm told NOS.
Speaking to broadcaster NH, Van Selm said she was “terribly shocked” by the incident. “My heart goes out to the victims, the local residents, and everyone affected. I visited the site this morning and spoke with several neighbors and first responders. The impact of this event is immense. Police are currently investigating the cause. If you saw or heard anything, I urge you to come forward and report it.”
