Netherlands church fire kills two destroys building

New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany were marked by violence, injuries, and a significant fire. Dutch authorities described the level of incidents as “unprecedented.”

Several fatalities and injuries were reported across the region, alongside widespread attacks on emergency services.

Fatalities and Injuries in the Netherlands

At least two people died in the Netherlands on New Year’s Eve due to incidents involving fireworks. A 17-year-old died in Nijmegen shortly after midnight, and a 38-year-old died in Aalsmeer. The investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Violence Against Emergency Services

Nine Kooiman, head of the Dutch Police Union, reported an unprecedented level of violence directed at police and emergency services nationwide. She personally experienced being targeted with fireworks while on duty in Amsterdam. Reports indicated attacks on police and firefighters occurred across the country, including petrol bombs thrown at police in Breda. The Rotterdam eye hospital treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for eye injuries, with two requiring surgery.

Fireworks Purchases and Restrictions

The New Year’s Eve celebrations occurred before an expected ban on unofficial fireworks, leading to record purchases. The Dutch Pyrotechnics Association reported a total expenditure of €129 million on fireworks. Designated firework-free zones appeared to have limited impact on the widespread use of fireworks.

Amsterdam Church Fire

A major fire destroyed a 19th-century church, the Vondelkerk, in Amsterdam. The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday, causing the 50-meter tower to collapse and severely damaging the roof. Authorities stated the main structure of the church is expected to remain intact. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

Events in Belgium

In Belgium, police made numerous arrests in Brussels and Antwerp as officers were targeted with fireworks. A New Year’s ban on fireworks failed to prevent chaotic scenes. In Antwerp, over 100 people were arrested, and police used tear gas to control the situation. Minors as young as 10 or 11 were involved in targeting officers and emergency services with fireworks and stones, also setting fire to bikes, cars, and trash cans. Authorities confiscated several “very dangerous” professional-grade fireworks, and a 12-year-old child was seriously injured in a fireworks incident. Brussels police reported repeated targeting with fireworks, resulting in approximately 70 arrests.

Fatalities in Germany

In Germany, two 18-year-olds died in Bielefeld after an incident involving homemade fireworks. Local police reported the fireworks caused “deadly facial injuries.”