Police arrest three people after apartment explosions in the Netherlands

Authorities in the Netherlands have arrested three suspects in connection with the devastating explosions that rocked an apartment block in The Hague, killing six people and leaving a community in shock.

The explosion, which occurred at 06:15 local time (05:15 GMT) on Saturday, demolished five homes in the Tarwekamp area of ​​the city.

Police are exploring “all avenues” that could have led to the incident, and the arrests suggest a possible criminal motive.

The suspects are being held in restrictive custody, allowed contact only with their attorneys, and are expected to appear in court later this week.

“New arrests cannot be ruled out,” officials announced.

On Saturday night we encountered local people trudging in the rain between fire trucks and police vans.

The quiet neighborhood has been rocked by the loss of six people and the uncertainty surrounding the nature and possible reason behind the explosion.

Among the victims were three members of the same family: a 45-year-old father, his 41-year-old partner and their 17-year-old daughter. Her 8-year-old son miraculously survived.

Three other men, ages 31, 44 and 63, also died. Among them was a civil engineer from Greece who was said to be “in love with the Netherlands.”

Four other people were rescued from the rubble of their former homes.

Several vehicles have been seized, although it is not clear if any are The car seen speeding away from the scene. shortly after the explosion.

Police have received dozens of tips and are appealing for more witnesses and footage from pet cameras or dash cameras.

Forensic teams are prepared to resume their investigation once the crime scene is deemed safe.

The impact of the explosion has extended beyond the immediate victims.

Four people were hospitalized, including two who were sleeping in the basement of a bar at the time and were treated for smoke inhalation.

A bridal shop next to the bar was completely destroyed, while the wine stock of another downstairs bar remained remarkably intact. An artist’s studio was also completely decimated.

Many residents were evacuated and remain in shelters while structural damage is assessed.