Two people who survived Saturday morning’s explosion in an apartment complex in The Hague were sleeping in the cellar of the café which was destroyed by the blast and fire, broadcaster NOS said on Tuesday.

In total, 19 homes were damaged in the blast, two were totally flattened and two very seriously damaged. The three-storey building had business premises on the ground floor and flats above.

The two who survived were the barman and a regular guest, the owner of Café Bar Rosa told Omroep West. Both were taken to hospital where they were treated for smoke inhalation but were otherwise unharmed.

Regulars often hang around in the bar after closing and sometimes end up sleeping there, the owner, who did not wish to be named, said.

Next door to the cafe was a bridal shop that was completely flattened when the building collapsed. On the other side of the café was an artist’s studio.

“If you think about what the owners have gone through, who have lost their homes and everything they own, then there is no comparison with my situation,” said Leidy van Leeuwen. “But it is horrible to lose all your work.”

As yet, investigators have not said what caused the explosions – one or two small ones and then a much bigger blast – but have ruled out there being a drugs lab on the premises. There have been several deadly explosions in drug labs in the Netherlands this year.

Police have said the incident is likely to be the result of a criminal act.

Six people were killed, including three members of one family, in the blast at 6.15 on Saturday morning. Four others were hospitalized and two are in a serious condition.

Two cars have been linked to the explosion, one of which burnt out next to the blast and the other which drove off at high speed.