Tarwekamp: trial over explosion that killed six to begin on 4 November
On 23 October, the District Court of The Hague announced the substantive hearings in the case against four men. The trial concerns the arson and explosion that devastated a block of homes on Tarwekamp on 7 December 2024.
Six people died in the explosion in The Hague’s Mariahoeve district, and several others were seriously injured. Homes collapsed, while neighbouring homes and business premises suffered major damage. The investigation led to the arrests of a man from Rotterdam, two men from Roosendaal and a man from Oosterhout.
According to the Public Prosecution Service, the arson targeted a bridal shop on the ground floor. The Rotterdam suspect is the owner’s former partner and allegedly approached the others to help prepare and carry out the attack. Prosecutors describe petrol being poured over wedding dresses and inside the shop; they say the vapours probably caused the explosion after ignition. Three men face allegations of murder or manslaughter involving six victims, attempted killings of others present, and arson causing death. According to the court, the fourth man is being prosecuted for offences including arson causing death; prosecutors describe his role in the preparations of 1 December 2024.
The court plans to examine the case file on 4 and 5 November. Victims and bereaved relatives will have the opportunity to speak on 10 and 11 November; prosecutors say more than thirty people wish to do so. The prosecution intends to present its sentencing requests on 24 November. Defence submissions are scheduled for 26 November and 1 December. The court’s current calendar lists January 2027 as the planned month for the judgment.
