There are “indications” that an explosion that partially destroyed a building and killed several people in The Hague on Saturday was a “crime,” but Dutch authorities have yet to publicly identify the cause of the deadly blast. .
Early Saturday morning, an explosion triggered several more smaller explosions at a housing complex in Talwekamp, The Hague, killing at least five people and injuring at least four others.
Search efforts for survivors and other victims continued Sunday. It is currently unclear how many more potential victims are still under the rubble.
Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel, who visited the explosion site, said: saidper De Telegraafthere are “signs of crime in the Talwekamp explosion”. Still, he refused to reveal what the signs were.
“We don't know the cause yet. Police are investigating multiple scenarios, including a criminal scenario. That's why the truck is gone,” he said. addedAccording to public broadcaster NOS.
However, police are reportedly still searching for the car that sped away from the area after the explosion and are appealing for information from the public.
“If this was the result of a deliberate explosion, it would be terrible,” Van Weel said, adding: “If this was a crime, we would catch the culprits.”
A police spokesperson said they were currently considering all options, adding: “It could be a crime, but it could also be an accident.''
Dutch police, under the direction of the public prosecutor's office, set up a large investigation team (TGO) consisting of more than 20 detectives to investigate the case.
Alongside rescue workers searching for victims, forensic experts are being sent to investigate the scene for potential clues as to the cause of the explosion.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schauf said after visiting the scene and meeting with the families of the victims. “Sadness, disbelief and helplessness. It is palpable among the residents of Talwekamp in The Hague.
“It is heartbreaking that there are multiple dead, injured and missing people to remember. My heart goes out to all their families, friends, acquaintances and neighbors. Some homes have become uninhabitable and people have lost their belongings. I lost everything. It's terrible.
“We would like to express our huge gratitude to the emergency services working so hard to search for the missing persons. We wish all involved that this uncertainty will end soon and we wish them all the best in their efforts.” I'm praying.”
