A historic Amsterdam landmark vanished in minutes as a fierce New Year blaze tore through a centuries-old church, leaving the city stunned and questioning the true cost of midnight celebrations.
Amsterdam’s iconic Vondel Church, located near one of the city’s most popular parks, was largely destroyed by a massive fire that erupted just as New Year celebrations began, according to local media reports. The blaze caused the collapse of the former Catholic church’s roof and its nearly 50 metre tower, leaving the 154 year old structure beyond saving.
“It is a very intense and terrible fire in this monumental church,” Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema said, expressing shock at the scale of the destruction.
The fire was first reported shortly after midnight and was quickly declared a major incident. Firefighters from multiple regions across the Netherlands were rushed in to contain the flames. The Dutch navy also deployed its 60 metre aerial work platform to assist emergency crews battling the inferno.
Strong winds reportedly fueled the fire before it was brought under control later on Thursday morning. As a precaution, a large number of nearby apartment buildings were evacuated. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported in the church fire itself.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause, but speculation is growing that New Year’s Eve fireworks may have contributed, given the timing of the blaze. Although Amsterdam banned the sale of fireworks to the public in 2020, illegal fireworks were still widely set off across the city.
Designed by renowned architect Pierre Cuypers, who also created the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Central Station, Vondel Church was a neo Gothic landmark. It ceased functioning as a place of worship in 1977 and was later repurposed as an event venue.
The church fire was one of several incidents that overshadowed New Year celebrations nationwide. Two people were killed in fireworks related accidents, while hospitals treated multiple serious injuries. Dutch police also reported unprecedented violence against emergency services during the night.
