Fatal Rotterdam explosion suspect acquitted for lack of evidence

A man suspected of causing an explosion in Rotterdam two years ago, in which three people died, has been acquitted.

Jalal O., a 37-year-old man who rented a garage in the Schammenkamp area of the city, was accused of using the premises as a drugs lab for processing cocaine.

In the aftermath of the explosion he climbed through the rubble looking for victims, and was initially perceived by local residents as a “hero”, according to media reports.

The explosion tore through the apartment complex above it, spreading a fire and partially collapsing the building. Besides the three who died, several were seriously injured and some lost their homes permanently.

After investigators analysed the scene, they found evidence including more than 40 acetone containers, traces of cocaine and procaine, and other paraphernalia. Prosecutors also found app messages between O. and his nephew they said were related to drug dealing.

In a procedural hearing after O.’s arrest in 2024, it was also disclosed that he had a previous conviction for drugs offences in Spain. He has always maintained his innocence and said at the time he had never been involved in the drug trade.

Prosecutors sought a seven-year sentence. If he had been convicted, the surviving victims would also have been eligible for compensation. They could instead take out a civil case against O. now that he has been acquitted.

The court found there was not enough evidence to convict him, and found no proof that the premises had been used as a drugs lab. It noted that the exact reason for the explosion remains unknown.

O. was a tenant of the garage but had sublet the space, and the court said the prosecution could not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that he was responsible.