Rotterdam man acquitted over drug-lab blast that killed three

A Rotterdam court has acquitted a 37-year-old man of causing the fatal explosion at a drug laboratory in the Schammenkamp district, according to a report by Dutch news agency ANP. Three people died in the blast on 29 January 2024; the court said there was insufficient evidence to convict him.

The explosion was caused by acetone in the laboratory, which was in the rear of a ground-floor commercial unit, the report said. The defendant, identified as Jalal O., rented the space. Two people were injured, including a resident whose flat was above the unit. One of those killed was the defendant’s 22-year-old nephew.

The prosecution had sought a seven-year prison sentence, saying the man was responsible for the explosion. He denied involvement, while his lawyer asked the court to acquit him. The Public Prosecution Service had said the case was due to be heard at Rotterdam District Court on 27 October.