Amsterdam’s historic Vondelkerk (church) was destroyed by a fire likely started by fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
According to Euronews, the fire broke out at the church just after midnight, indicating that fireworks were the likely cause. The fire quickly spread through the church’s wooden tower and caused the building to collapse.
Firefighters rushed to the scene and did their best to contain the fire. Traffic in the surrounding area was stopped and residents were asked to leave due to concerns that the fire could spread.
Emergency personnel were unable to save the landmark, which later collapsed. Video footage of the aftermath shows the burnt bricks of the historic structure.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, locals were shocked and saddened to lose one of the city’s iconic structures.
One resident wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “You can feel the intense heat everywhere. People are in shock. It’s such a beautiful church. Gone.”
The official cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Vondelkerk was built in 1880 and the building has been decommissioned since 1997. The former Catholic church was a cultural and event venue after closing for worship in the 1970s.
