Amsterdam’s historic Vondelkerk church became the centerpiece of a destructive New Year’s Eve as a massive fire tore through the 19th-century neo-Gothic structure during early morning celebrations. The iconic basilica, designed by renowned architect Pierre Cuypers—whose works include the Rijksmuseum—suffered severe damage with its 50-meter tower collapsing entirely, though authorities indicate the main structure remains intact.
The church fire coincided with what Dutch police described as ‘unprecedented violence’ nationwide. Police Union head Nine Kooiman reported being directly targeted with fireworks and explosives during her Amsterdam shift. The violence extended beyond the capital with petrol bombs thrown at officers in Breda and street clashes occurring in The Hague’s Transvaal district.
Tragedy struck elsewhere in the Netherlands as fireworks incidents claimed two lives in Rotterdam—a 17-year-old boy and 38-year-old man. The city’s eye hospital treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for fireworks-related eye injuries, with two requiring surgical intervention.
The incidents occurred despite record fireworks spending of €129 million nationally. A ban on unofficial fireworks is scheduled for implementation in 2026, though this year’s celebrations have amplified debates about public safety during holiday festivities.
Germany faced similar tragedies with two 18-year-olds killed in Bielefeld while detonating homemade fireworks, highlighting the transnational nature of New Year’s safety concerns.