On the night of November 25, 2024, the Red Cross Hospital was startled by an explosion at the main entrance door. A mortar bomb was used. The following night, another explosion occurred, larger this time and causing a fire. This involved a fireworks-fuel combination consisting of heavy firecrackers (Super Cobra 6) and a bottle of motor gasoline. Patients, staff, and neighbors were greatly alarmed. In February of this year, a 39-year-old man was arrested. The Public Prosecution Service of North Holland (OM) has proven that he was responsible for causing the two explosions, endangering property and in one case also life and serious bodily harm. The OM demanded a prison sentence of 42 months.
Assignment
After the two explosions in November 2024, a third explosion occurred in January 2025 at the Red Cross Hospital in Beverwijk. A 37-year-old man was arrested for that explosion. That case is awaiting substantive treatment. After that arrest, investigative information emerged that a 39-year-old man was responsible for the November explosions. It was also suspected that both suspects acted on behalf of a third person. This client is now a suspect in the investigation team.
Evidence
Investigative findings show that the suspect was responsible for carrying out the two explosions in November. Not only did he confess to both acts, but videos he made of the explosion were found on his phone. Additionally, the suspect appears on hospital surveillance footage while causing the explosions. DNA material left at the crime scene was also linked to the suspect.
Motivation
The explosions appear to be connected, raising questions about the motive. During police interrogations, the suspect not only admitted his involvement but also revealed from whom and why he received the order. This has given the investigation team some insight into the possible motive behind the explosions, but there is still no clarity on the actual reason for the hospital explosions. The public prosecutor: The perpetrators have been arrested and are being prosecuted. The person who can explain the actual motive has not yet been arrested.
Seriousness
This is almost an un-Dutch case: a hospital targeted by multiple explosions. The prosecutor: A hospital is where people go to get help when they are ill. People who are dying, operated on, immobile, with trauma, grief, and pain stay in a hospital. It is a place to be left alone. And where also people work who must be left alone. That place has been the victim of explosions three times. The consequences could have been much worse. There could have been injuries or deaths.
Demand
The fact that the target was a hospital is considered an aggravating factor by the OM. Notably a hospital specialized in treating burn wounds. That sounds not only cruel but it is. People with trauma are now confronted again with fire and explosions, said the prosecutor. Besides the two explosions, the suspect is also held responsible for driving under the influence and possession of hard and soft drugs. The OM demanded a prison sentence of 42 months and a driving ban for nine months. The OM also requested compensation for damages claimed by the victims.
The court is expected to deliver its verdict in two weeks
