Fifth suspect arrested after explosion and fire at Heerhugowaard apartment complex
Police have arrested a fifth suspect in connection with an explosion and subsequent fire at an apartment building in Heerhugowaard on Thursday night. The suspect is currently being held under full restrictions, meaning they are only permitted contact with a lawyer, as reported by NOS. Police confirmed that this suspect is an adult.
Four underage suspects had already been arrested shortly after the incident. One of them remains in custody, while the other three have been released but are still considered suspects in the ongoing investigation. Due to the suspects' ages, police are withholding further details. Regional broadcaster NH reported that police remain cautious in sharing information because the majority of those involved are minors.
Five people sustained minor injuries during the incident. Authorities searched the complex throughout the night but did not find any additional victims. Several of the affected apartments were structurally reinforced due to damage caused by the blast and fire.
The explosion occurred shortly after 8:00 p.m. Tuesday in the residential complex. Emergency services responded to the scene, and firefighters managed to bring the resulting fire under control approximately three hours later.
