Overview
- The 19th‑century church’s 50‑metre tower fell and large sections of the roof were destroyed as firefighters worked through the night near Vondelpark, with nearby homes evacuated and residents told to close windows and avoid debris.
- Authorities say the cause is under investigation, while several outlets report fireworks are a likely but unconfirmed trigger.
- Dutch Police Union chief Nine Kooiman reported an unprecedented level of violence against police and emergency crews, including petrol bombs thrown at officers in Breda.
- A 17‑year‑old boy and a 38‑year‑old man died in separate fireworks incidents, with hospitals reporting dozens of injuries and Rotterdam’s eye hospital treating 14 patients, two requiring surgery.
- Other serious fires were reported at a fireworks sales point in Hillegom and a gym in Bedum that released asbestos, as the country recorded €129 million in fireworks purchases ahead of an expected ban on unofficial pyrotechnics.