Police release suspect in death of boy during New Year’s fireworks in Nijmegen
The police have released the 44-year-old suspect linked to the death of a 16-year-old boy in a New Year’s fireworks incident in Nijmegen on Thursday afternoon. He is required to remain available for questioning in regards to the ongoing investigation, according to authorities. His relationship to the person killed has not been disclosed.
The victim died shortly after midnight following a fireworks explosion on the Meeuwse Acker in Nijmegen’s ’t Acker neighborhood. It has been reported that the victim was a 16-year-old called Shane. The police spokesperson said the investigation is expected to take some time, and it has not been determined whether others "played a culpable role in this tragic incident.”
Police have declined to provide further details about his identity, but amateur football club SCE, for which the victim played, expressed their sadness at his passing. “We are heartbroken and send our deepest condolences and strength to his parents, sister, family, friends, and all who knew him,” the club said.
SCE decided to open its doors at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day. “What happened is absolutely tragic, and we are heartbroken. He played on our football team, so his teammates are here too. We opened at 10 a.m. and have been supporting one another. As a board, we’re grateful we can take action and are working together to cope with this loss,” one board member told RTL Nieuws.
Forensic investigators are specifically looking into the origin of the fireworks. Preliminary findings suggest "heavy illegal fireworks" were involved, and the investigation aims to determine if the suspect provided the explosives or was involved in the ignition process.
New Year’s Eve saw multiple incidents: besides the victim in Nijmegen, another person died in Aalsmeer from a fireworks accident. Local residents reported a “huge bang” just before the incident. Emergency services, including a trauma helicopter and the fire brigade, arrived on the scene and tried to resuscitate the man, including the use of an AED by neighbors, but it was too late.
Like Nijmegen, Aalsmeer had a local fireworks ban, intensifying the discussion about a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks set to take effect next New Year’s Eve.
