Arson behind Roermond house fire that killed mother & son, 16; Second boy hospitalized
A house fire in Roermond on Wednesday, in which a 51-year-old woman and her 16-year-old son were killed, was deliberately set, the police said on Thursday after further investigation. Arson had been considered probable since early in the case, after investigators found several jerry cans at the house on Plutolaan.
The possibility of the fire being caused accidentally has since been ruled out, police confirmed in an update. "The investigation is ongoing, and police are seeking any footage taken by bystanders immediately after the fire," authorities said.
The fire started at around 7:45 a.m. First responders found the woman and her 14-year-old son seriously hurt outside. The body of the 16-year-old boy was found inside the home. The woman and the younger boy were rushed to the hospital.
She succumbed to her injuries later on Wednesday. Locals identified those killed in the fire as Kyano and his mother, Peggy, in interviews with regional broadcaster L1 Nieuws. The younger boy’s current condition has not been updated.
"Several video recordings were made by bystanders immediately after the fire. The investigation team would like to obtain these images," police said.
On Wednesday evening, about 300 people gathered to commemorate the victims in a silent march. Friends, neighbors, and family gathered at the Gotcha youth center, where Kyano often played football.
Many young people attended the rally. They then walked silently to the family’s home, where the group released dozens of white balloons.
