Defense to pay compensation to families of three killed soldiers

The Ministry of Defense reached an agreement on compensation with the families of three killed soldiers, a soldier killed during shooting practice in Ossendrecht and two soldiers killed when a mortar grenade exploded during training in Mali, lawyer Michael Ruperti confirmed to ANP.

The Ministry previously offered a standard amount of 20 thousand euros, but the families were not satisfied. An "improved" offer, made by Minister Ank Bijleveld of Defense herself, has now been accepted, according to the lawyer. The families really appreciated the Minister coming herself to make the offer. The amounts involved will not be revealed.

Sergeant Sander Klap, 35, died in March 2016 during shooting training at a Police Academy gun range in Ossendrecht. Soldiers 29-year-old Henry Hovng and 24-year-old Kevin Roggeveld died in July of that year when a grenade exploded during a training drill in Mali. In both incidents the Dutch Safety Board criticized Defense for not being careful enough with their soldiers' safety.

Last month the Ministry also reached an agreement on compensation for loss of income with Hoving's widow. Ruperti is hopeful that agreements will also soon be made with the widows of Klap and Roggerveld.