The explosion of a fireworks bomb in one of the toilet rooms of the Haemstede Barger Mavo (HBM) in Heemstede raises a number of questions in addition to fear and damage. What would have happened if one of the students had unsuspectingly gone to the bathroom? Who set off the explosive? What can the school do to prevent these types of incidents in the future?
It must have been a powerful explosive that detonated during the first break this morning. The toilet bowl was reportedly shattered and nine children had to have their ears checked for hearing damage as a precaution. “It was a loud bang,” one girl confirmed. She was on her way to gym class with two classmates when she suddenly heard ‘boom’. According to her, there was no panic: “but it’s not fun.”
Pool height
It’s an hour after the evacuation. Tufts of students return to take stock. It’s busy in the otherwise quiet Koediefslaan at this time, To get to school, students have to fight their way past fire trucks, police cars, GGD employees, personnel from the Explosives Safety (TEV) team, five reporters and a group of curious neighbors.
”I’m not a snitch”
A boy on a fat bike asks if it is true that four boys are being interrogated in the school. He says he thinks he knows who is responsible for the explosion. A bystander answers that in that case it is best to contact the police. ”I do not do that. I’m not a snitch (traitor),” he says. And he’s gone.
Fatbike gang
The police spokesperson can only report that there has been an explosion, that there are no victims, that an investigation is being conducted, that the school will remain closed today and that witnesses can come forward. When asked whether the young people who set off the fireworks bomb may have something to do with the so-called fat bike gang, the spokesperson answers: “I really don’t dare say whether there is a connection with people who travel on a fat bike. ”
The school management does not want to comment on the incident.
Two weeks ago
About two weeks ago, the Haemstede Barger Mavo (HBM) also experienced a restless day. To prevent ‘Indian stories from circulating’, director Hanneke Nootenboom-Ooms informed parents on October 4 about an impending fight at the school with students from Coornhert in Haarlem. The confrontation would have been prevented because the school management ‘quickly identified’ which students were involved. According to Nootenboom-Ooms, the threat of a fight may have been the result of an argument on Snapchat between students from different schools.
Parents
Nootenboom-Ooms writes in the email: ”The last break was restless because students from HBM flew outside to see if something was going on. Students from other schools were also aware of this and also came to the HBM. Fortunately, the school employees were ready to receive the students and bring them inside. The police were also present to supervise.” The director concludes the letter by asking parents to discuss ‘mutual incitement’ on social media with their children.