Amsterdam explosion injures seven, three in custody
Amsterdam police are investigating whether criminals caused an explosion in an apartment building that injured seven people and forced the evacuation of 400 residents.
Three people were detained, police said on Saturday. After an extensive rescue operation, authorities now believe there are no more victims trapped under the rubble.
The powerful explosion occurred in the annex of the apartment building in the early hours of Friday. The explosion caused a large fire and caused part of the structure to collapse, the police statement said.
According to Het Parool and De Telegraaf newspapers, the fire brigade and eyewitness accounts, a group of young people allegedly produced explosive devices in the basement of the building.
While the reports stated that the devices in question were similar to those used in ATM bombings, it was also stated that the suspects were believed to be preparing for a robbery in Germany.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema condemned the production of explosives in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, calling it “anti-social”.
Halsema told broadcaster NOS that since residents were apparently aware of the activities, questions were raised about whether the police were also aware of them.
A Dutch group has been held responsible for blowing up ATMs in Germany for years. Additionally, criminal circles regularly experience explosive attacks targeting apartment buildings and corporate buildings.
“We are trying to trace those who made and planted the explosive,” Halsema said.
He described preparations for explosive attacks on residential areas as a “huge” problem.
