A Rising Tide of Explosions Fuels Fear and Challenges Law Enforcement

An apartment building in Duivendrecht, the Netherlands, was damaged by an explosion. Across the Netherlands, residents are increasingly startled awake by loud blasts, with about three occurring on an average night. These small explosions, often caused by illegal fireworks, have become a disturbing reality in a country known for its tranquility. The blasts have created a sense of unease among the Dutch, who pride themselves on their levelheadedness. The explosions have damaged homes, caused fear, and occasionally led to injuries or deaths.

Initially linked to organized crime and drug trafficking, the use of hand grenades to settle scores has been mimicked by others. They are using black-market fireworks to target people in family disputes, relationship quarrels, and business rivalries. The high-strength fireworks are relatively easy to obtain. Rules around the use and possession of fireworks are generally laxer in the Netherlands than in some other European countries.

In December, a large blast caused a fire and the partial collapse of an apartment building in The Hague, resulting in six deaths. Authorities believe the bombing was ordered to target a bridal shop. Later that month, two people and three dogs died in a fire caused by an explosion in Vroomshoop, which was part of a dispute between a dog breeder and a customer.

Since the start of 2024, the blasts have injured at least 35 people, with three severely injured. The attacks are proliferating, with a significant increase in the number of explosions recorded in recent years. Most are not linked to organized crime, officials say.

The issue is a national problem that has emerged quickly and is not going away. While similar bombings occur in other European countries, the Netherlands stands out due to the high number of explosions per capita and the fact that most are a scare tactic by regular people in petty conflicts.

The explosions are typically organized on the Telegram messaging app, where it is easy to buy illegal fireworks and hire people to place the bombs. Most of the explosions happen in big cities, but each of the country’s provinces has experienced them. The explosions have had an effect on residents and business owners, with fear creeping into society.

The Dutch police have made arrests in connection with the explosions. Most of those arrested are believed to be the young men who placed the bombs, rather than those who ordered the blasts or supplied the explosives. In Vlaardingen, a plumber was targeted with explosive devices multiple times over many months. The people behind the bombings were never identified or arrested.