Another drama from a few days ago, again in the Mariahoeve district, showed how important the latter is. Mayor Jan van Zanen specifically mentioned the accident in which a car crashed into a tree and three passengers were killed in his speech.
“We cannot ignore it. For the second time, Mariahoeve has been shocked by an event that has a major impact. The blow of the fatal accident on the Bezuidenhoutseweg in the early hours of December 4 hit many people in the neighborhood hard. It’s terrible. I sympathize with the people. Very bitter that it happened in Mariahoeve and so close on this stressful day.”
Tarwekamp is slowly recovering, year after devastating explosion: ‘We are not victims’
Victims who survived the Tarwekamp disaster and relatives movingly put into words what had happened to them. Ingo Wewer, whose wine shop in the washed-out block was hit, spoke on behalf of many local residents.
The devastation at the Tarwekamp in The Hague, caused by a major explosion, was enormous © John van der Tol
“I was born at the Tarwekamp, and I also wanted to gradually finish my studies here. This terrible tragedy has hit all our neighbors, some even harder than others. Many are still in the process of recovery. It’s horrible to see a hole next to you. It will never be the same again. But we have to move on, all together, even though a scar will always remain.”
Patricia Wind, affected resident, also expressed her feelings oppressively. “Our carefree life came to an end that early morning. We had to grieve while we were in the middle of settlement. We left our house that day with a few things. We could never have imagined that it would all have such an impact.”
At the same time, she emphasized the heart-warming help she received. “We have lovely neighbors. The emergency services have worked long and hard. I thank them on behalf of everyone involved and surviving relatives, from the bottom of our hearts.”
The wife of the slain Albanian Greek Vikel also reflected on the loss in a statement, as did the relatives of the family of Chinese descent, where father, mother and daughter died, and only the young son survived.
He expressed his feelings through a Chinese children’s song and how much he misses his parents and sister. Relative Wendy of the Chinese family also told how much she is trying to cope with the death of her family members. “Only if you experience something like this yourself can you understand this pain.”
She added that she wants the case to be resolved ‘fairly and justly’, referring to the criminal proceedings that are still ongoing. “I wish all good people a life full of happiness,” she said meaningfully.
The Hague reflects on the Tarwekamp attack on December 7: ‘Everyone processes this in their own way’
Tim’s relatives spoke about a pitch-black period, about a cowardly act, about a young life that was abruptly ended. “Inhumanly unfair,” said one of them. “No day will be the same anymore. From now on, a holiday will no longer feel like a party.”