Suspect in Rotterdam drug lab explosion now charged with causing blast that killed 3

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) now also suspects the 36-year-old man, who was arrested after the explosion at Schammenkamp in Rotterdam in January, of causing the explosion that resulted in the death of three people. Until now, he had only been suspected of involvement in the production of narcotics but the charges against the man have been expanded following an investigation by the Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), the OM reported on Thursday.

A commercial space on the ground floor of the apartment complex exploded on the evening of January 29, 2024. Not long after, the tenant of the commercial space was arrested. Drug-related items were found around the building, such as hydrochloric acid and jerrycans of acetone.

"The NFI conducted an investigation into the cause of the explosion. The OM has reviewed the NFI report and concluded that the acetone containers and the gases released from them caused the explosion," a spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service explained.

Jalal O. had helped retrieve the body of one of the three fatal victims from the rubble after the explosion. He was released in October last year. The man was fitted with an ankle monitor, had to surrender his passport, and was banned from entering the Zuidwijk neighborhood.

The OM has said that a new hearing will take place at the Rotterdam court. During this hearing, the NFI report will be discussed. The case will not yet be examined on its merits. The defense will first have the opportunity to submit requests for further investigation.