Video: Stadskanaal home destroyed by fire, explosion; Police suspect arson
A fire, possibly preceded by an explosion, destroyed a home in Stadskanaal overnight. Surrounding homes were evacuated, and paramedics treated two people for smoke inhalation. The police suspect arson and are investigating whether the blaze was caused by an explosive attack.
The fire broke out at around 3:10 a.m., the Groningen police reported on X. Police officers evacuated the surrounding homes while firefighters set to work.
According to RTV Noord, the firefighting efforts were hampered by a gas fire. Firefighters were only able to enter the home and extinguish the blaze from inside after the grid operator shut off the gas connection. The fire brigade reported at 5:35 a.m. that the blaze was under control.
The police are investigating. “We suspect arson and are also investigating whether there was an explosion,” the Groningen police said. Investigators asked witnesses and locals with relevant camera footage to come forward.
