Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Netflix Revisits Viral Haren Riot With Teen's First On-Camera Account

It marks the first time Merthe Weusthuis has spoken about the party on camera twelve years after thousands descended on Haren.

Image
Merthe Weusthuis in Trainwreck: The Real Project X and image of fire at Project X Haren
Image

Overview

  • Netflix released Trainwreck: The Real Project X on July 8, 2025, as the latest instalment in its Trainwreck documentary series revisiting high-profile disasters.
  • The film features Merthe Marije Weusthuis speaking on camera for the first time since her 2012 Facebook invite accidentally went public.
  • Archival footage and interviews with bystanders, police officers and local officials trace how a private birthday event spiralled into mass unrest.
  • On September 21, 2012, riot police clashed with about 3,000 attendees, leading to looting, arson, at least 36 injuries and 34 arrests.
  • The documentary also examines the town’s official response, including riot police deployment and the subsequent resignation of Mayor Rob Bats.