Netherlands: The Explosion in the Hague-Update

Algemeen Dagblad

The below article from De Telegraaf is dated December 13, and I believe is still the latest update. Four suspects are in custody after the explosion in the Hague that took 6 lives on December 7. No names have been released just ages and places of residence. They reside in the Rotterdam and Brabant areas of the Netherlands. It appears though not publicly confirmed that this is gang-related.

The translation is by Fousesquawk.

Three Brabanders and a Rotterdammer held after mega-explosion in the Hague

-By Gerda Frankenhuis and Marcel Vink

13 Dec 2024 in Domestic

(Attorney) Spong representing suspect

The Hague- The 4 suspects who were arrested late Monday for involvement in the enormous explosion on Tarwekamp (street) in the Hague, in which 6 innocent people were killed, come from Rotterdam, Roosendaal, and Oosterhout. One of the suspects is being represented by Attorney Gerard Spong.

Caption: Flowers hang on the fences on the Tarwekamp.

The 4 who were placed in handcuffs come from Rotterdam (33 years), Roosendaal (29 and 23), and Oosterhout (33), as reported by the Public Prosecutor's Ministry (OM) on Friday. They were arrested at their residences.

The four were taken before an examining magistrate on Friday afternoon in the Hague, who ruled that they would remain in custody for another 14 days. All 4 are suspected of arson and causing an explosion in which 6 people died and 4 persons were injured. In addition, they are suspected of setting a car on fire and they reportedly met earlier to prepare to commit arson.

Total restrictions

The public prosecutor, due to the importance of the investigation, will not make any further statement over the current status of the investigation, the possible motive, or possible cause of the explosion.

"In addition, all the suspects are in full restrictive custody, which means that they can only have contact with their attorney. That also makes the Public Prosecutor's Ministry reluctant to share information," according to the authorities. The 4 will appear before the Council Chamber on December 24, who will then rule if they must remain in custody longer.

Gerard Spong

One of the lawyers for the suspects, Gerard Spong, cannot comment on the case due to the restrictions. Spong earlier did not want to say how old his client is or where he resides.

The investigation into the disaster that destroyed a residential block of 5 apartments and 3 shops is in full progress. According to investigators, the Aliyah's Styling bridal dress shop was very likely the target of the attacks.