Final two victims from The Hague explosions identified as men aged 44 and 63
The fifth and sixth victims who died in the explosions and fire at an apartment complex on Tarwekamp in The Hague were identified as two men aged 44 and 63. They were both residents of The Hague, police said on Monday.
At least two explosions went off at the complex at 6:15 a.m. on Saturday, and then a fire raged at the location. Five people were rescued from the scene, including one person found under the rubble nearly 12 hours later. Four were injured, including two who were critically hurt.
It was previously announced on Monday that three people from the same family had died, but their young son survived. The victims were a 45-year-old father, a 41-year-old mother and their 17-year-old daughter, all from The Hague. Only the parents' 8-year-old son survived. Among the dead is also a 31-year-old man from Voorburg.
A total of 40 homes were evacuated, including 19 which were damaged. Five of the homes were completely destroyed, as were the commercial storefronts below them.
The search for victims was concluded on Monday, after firefighters and search teams entered the cellar spaces. The last body was found at about 6 a.m. By the end of the afternoon, the police reported that the surrounding buildings will first be propped up due to the risk of collapse. After that, a large-scale forensic investigation will take place, and some residents could collect belongings.
It is still unclear what caused the explosions. Police told NL Times that there was no evidence of a drug lab at the scene, as some speculated, but police still believe that foul play may have taken place at the Tarwekamp.
The police asked individuals in the area about a suspicious car seen racing away from the area soon after the explosions. A vehicle was also found burned out not far away, but police would not say if it was the vehicle witnesses spotted at the time of the explosions.
Reporting by ANP
