The Hague marks anniversary of deadly Tarwekamp explosion that killed six

A public memorial began Sunday afternoon at the Adventkerk in The Hague to honor the victims of last year’s deadly explosion on Tarwekamp in the Mariahoeve neighborhood. The blast, which occurred exactly one year ago, partially collapsed an apartment complex and killed six people, including three members of one family. Five others were injured.

“Today is an emotional moment, and there is room for all that emotion,” the master of ceremonies told the hundreds of attendees.

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, which was aimed at a bridal fashion shop owned by the ex-girlfriend of the main suspect.

The ceremony included the reading of victims’ names and a moment of silence. Among those present were Mayor Jan van Zanen, local residents, relatives of the victims, and emergency responders. Music was performed by a chamber choir, a violinist, and a pianist.

A representative from Slachtofferhulp addressed the crowd on behalf of the Greek widow of one 44-year-old victim. “We have experienced a situation that only people in war zones or terror attacks encounter,” she said. The widow, who now lives in Greece with her three children, added, “As long as I live, the image of the pieces of my husband’s body will torment my soul.”

For the three victims from the same Chinese family, relatives created videos with family photos. The family members killed were a 45-year-old man, a 41-year-old woman, and their 17-year-old daughter. They left behind a son and younger brother. In one video, a relative expressed hope that the perpetrators, whom she called “despicable criminals,” are punished as soon as possible.