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Explosions and Blaze Gut Ridderkerk’s De Theetuin as Police Probe Suspicious Cause

Police call the circumstances suspicious after CCTV captured a man leaving just before the fire.

Overview

  • Residents reported the blaze around 03:00 at the Pruimendijk venue, where flames spread fast and multiple explosions were heard.
  • Fire crews arrived with several engines and a large water transport, brought the fire under control around 05:45, and continued damping down after flare‑ups.
  • Most of the complex is destroyed with part of the main building collapsed, and the restaurant area is a total loss while nearby homes were spared.
  • Evacuations were carried out and people were told to shut windows and ventilation because of heavy smoke and soot, which authorities advise removing with gloves.
  • The site was empty and no injuries are reported; a demolition crane is on standby as investigators conduct forensic searches and interview witnesses, with no arrests so far.