In the early morning of December 7, 2024, a major explosion occurred in the Mariahoeve en Marlot neighborhood of The Hague, Netherlands, resulting in at least six fatalities, injuries, and significant damage to several residential buildings. The explosion prompted a large scale emergency response and investigation.[2]
| Date | December 7, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Time | 06:15 (CET) |
| Location | Mariahoeve en Marlot neighborhood of The Hague, Netherlands |
| Coordinates | 52°05′19″N 4°21′13″E / 52.0886°N 4.3537°E |
| Type | Explosion |
| Cause | Under investigation |
| Deaths | 6[1] |
| Non-fatal injuries | 4 |
| Property damage | Five apartment flats destroyed |
According to the police, the explosions were aimed at a bridal clothing store on the ground floor of the affected apartment complex.[3]
Disaster
editThe explosion and resulting fire occurred before dawn in the northeastern neighbourhood of Mariahoeve en Marlot, within district Haagse Hout at approximately 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT). Local residents reported hearing a massive explosion and screams, with some initially mistaking the event for an earthquake. The blast destroyed five apartment units and led to the evacuation of 40 adjacent apartments.[2]
The rescue operations ended on December 9, with the toll of six people killed and five injured as a result of the explosion.[4] As many as 20 people were initially believed to have been in the apartment flats destroyed by the explosion.[5] Three of the dead belonged to the same family, leaving an eight-year old boy as the only survivor.[6]
Response
editEmergency services deployed a specialized urban search and rescue team who had participated in rescue efforts following the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes, including four trained sniffer dogs and an excavator to remove debris, to the disaster site. Local authorities evacuated neighboring buildings as a precautionary measure. Emergency services rescued four individuals from the debris, who were subsequently hospitalized. One victim was initially reported to have been a child, although this was later disproven. Search operations continued for possible additional victims.[2][5]
On 10 December, 3 people were arrested for potential involvement in the explosion.[7]
Reactions
editPrime Minister Dick Schoof issued a statement expressing shock at the disaster and extending sympathies to victims and emergency responders.[2]
Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen stated that the likelihood of finding additional survivors was minimal following initial rescue efforts, telling the community to be ready for the "worst case scenario".[5]
Police Commissioner Janny Knol acknowledged the incident's impact on community sentiment, citing "disbelief and uncertainty."[5]
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima issued a statement expressing sympathy for those affected by the disaster and those concerned about missing loved ones.[5] They visited the disaster site in the morning of 9 December.[8]
Investigation
editThe cause of the explosion remains under investigation, with Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen stating that authorities were examining all possibilities. Law enforcement expressed interest in a vehicle reportedly leaving the scene "at a very high speed",[5] considering it potentially relevant to their investigation. It was also reported that gas cans were found in the debris[2]
References
edit- ^ "LIVE – Koning Willem-Alexander en koningin Máxima bezoeken rampplek Tarwekamp na vondst zesde dode door explosies" [LIVE - King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visit Tarwekamp disaster site after sixth dead from explosions found]. De Telegraaf (in Dutch). 9 December 2024. Retrieved 9 December 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Netherlands: Multiple people have died in an apartment explosion in The Hague". Euronews. Associated Press. 2024-12-07. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
- ^ "Politie: Explosies in Den Haag lijken gericht tegen bruidsmodezaak" [Police: Explosions in The Hague appear to target bridal shop]. Algemeen Dagblad (in Dutch). 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ de Ruiter, Emma (9 December 2024). "Search for The Hague explosion victims ends with six confirmed dead". Euronews.
- ^ a b c d e f Lapham, Jake (2024-12-07). "The Hague: Four dead, more feared missing after flat explosions". BBC News. Retrieved 2024-12-07.
- ^ "Search for The Hague explosion victims ends with six confirmed dead". Euronews. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 10 December 2024.
- ^ "Drie verdachten aangehouden voor explosies Den Haag, auto's ingenomen" [Three suspects arrested for explosions The Hague, cars seized]. Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (in Dutch). 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-10.
- ^ "Koning Willem-Alexander en koningin Maxima bezoeken rampplek in Den Haag: 'Trillend op mijn benen'" [King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima visit disaster site in The Hague: 'Trembling on my legs']. Gazet van Antwerpen (in Dutch). 2024-12-09.