The theft of batteries was the suspected cause of a massive explosion on Maasstraat in Purmerend on the night of December 15, 2024. After the explosion, a large fire broke out. A 16-year-old resident who was asleep fled through the flames outside. He suffered severe burns over his entire body and had to be kept in an artificial coma for a long time.
Today, a preliminary hearing (a so-called pro forma hearing) was held for the 19-year-old man whom the Public Prosecution Service sees as the mastermind behind the explosion. He arranged for others to provide fuel, explosives, and executors. At least six cans of gasoline and at least six Cobra fireworks (very heavy fireworks) were used in the explosion.
The prosecutor suspects the 19-year-old man of complicity in attempted murder or manslaughter and complicity in an explosion at the residence on Maasstraat. The 19-year-old man was arrested on December 18. On the same day, another person was arrested, suspected of preparing a revenge act for the explosion. This person was a contact of one of the residents of the house on Maasstraat.
Recently, two 17-year-old boys were arrested who are suspected of being the executors of the attack. They are in pre-trial detention and are being interrogated by the police.