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Fire Guts Amsterdam’s 1872 Vondelkerk, Toppling Tower and Roof

Officials have opened an investigation into the cause.

Overview

  • The New Year’s night blaze was localized by about 11:00 a.m. local time after a large emergency response.
  • The tower, central section, and much of the roof collapsed while masonry walls remained standing, according to fire and engineering assessments.
  • No injuries have been reported, and residents in nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution.
  • Strong winds and the building’s size complicated suppression as embers drifted toward the city center.
  • Designed by Pieter Cuypers near Vondelpark, the 1872 church served Catholic worship for over a century and more recently hosted ceremonial events.