Tarwekamp residents still can't return home nearly 2 months after fatal Hague explosion
The residents of the Tarwekamp building in The Hague are still unable to return to their homes after the December 7 explosion that killed six people. The Owners’ Association (VvE) had a structural survey carried out and it showed that the building is still unsafe, the municipality of The Hague announced, Omroep West reports.
The structural survey showed that the left part of the building, which includes homes 49 to 59 and business premises 73 to 81, is safe. This part can be put back into use after repairs.
The right part of the building, homes 25 to 33 and businesses 7 to 15, is still unstable and not safe for use. This part of the building needs to be reinforced with brick walls or steel portals. After that, it can be repaired and everyone can return.
However, the cellars and foundations of the entire mixed-use building still need to be examined. If something is wrong there, residents will have to wait longer.
The VvE will examine the conclusions of the report, consult with its members, and then decide how to tackle the recovery and reconstruction. The municipality will assess the construction plans and issue permits.
“I hope this will provide some measure of peace and stability for those directly affected and local residents after the horrible disaster,” Mayor Jan van Zanen said. The municipality also examined the results of the survey, he added. “And we endorse the conclusions and recommendations.”
On December 7, an explosion likely targeting a bridal shop on Tarwekamp in The Hague killed six people and injured four others. The blast and resulting fire destroyed the bridal store, a bar, and five apartments, and damaged at least 14 other residences. Sources told multiple newspapers that a dispute between an ex-boyfriend and the bridal shop owner, possibly involving an SUV, may have been behind the fatal explosion. Four suspects are in custody for possible involvement.
