5 months Ago
Jos van der Stap, the official at the national police responsible for high-impact crime, warned that the problem extends beyond criminal punishment. "Arrests and a complete ban on fireworks alone are not going to solve the problem," he said. He stressed the importance of prevention measures such as school awareness-raising campaigns and rehabilitation programmes to prevent re-offending.
Youth Involvement and Arrests
In 2025, until now, there have been 1,543 fireworks-related explosions away from buildings. In all, 163 suspects have been detained—some are teenagers already known to the police. "They are impetuous and easily manipulated. They love being part of a group, and they can be recruited without major financial investment," Van der Stap said.
Investigations are now turning to the fact that the social factors within the community are also helping to drive these attacks amid suggestions that these are part of the work of organised groups using young people to do their bidding.
Home Destroyed in Papendrecht Explosion
One home was completely blown away in Papendrecht early on Thursday morning, leading to the evacuation of about 40 residents of the apartment building. A family of six lived in the house, which sits on Vincent van Goghlaan.
Two children were injured fleeing the fire. "One child was treated at the hospital for smoke inhalation, and another was injured while escaping the flames," said a police spokesman.
The police have launched a full investigation into the explosion, which is the latest in a disturbing pattern of fireworks-related injuries and property damage across the country.
