Two suspects in Amsterdam gym blast remain in custody

Two men suspected of causing an explosion that destroyed a gym in Amsterdam and left seven people injured are to be kept in custody while the investigation into the blast continues.

The public prosecution department (Openbare Ministerie) said the two suspects were from Amsterdam and aged 24 and 25. A third person has been released but remains under suspicion.

The explosion sparked a major fire in the gym on the ground floor of a block of flats beside the Osdorper Dam, forcing the evacuation of 400 people.

Prosecutors are investigating whether the blast, which happened in a basement beneath the gym, was caused by members of a gang making devices to be used in attacks on property.

Forensic experts were only able to enter the building on Saturday morning because emergency services were looking for people who were possibly trapped in the rubble, but no further casualties were found.

“At this stage of the investigation it is too early to draw conclusions about what exactly happened and detectives welcome any relevant intormation,” the department said in a statement.