A massive fire destroyed a 19th-century Amsterdam church as the country ushered in the New Year. The fire broke out in the early hours of the morning at the Vondelkerk tourist attraction, which has been overlooking one of the city’s best parks since 1872. The cause of the 19th century church fire could not be determined.
As the fire continued to spread, the 50-meter (164 ft) tower eventually disappeared. While the roof was severely damaged, the structure was expected to remain intact, Amsterdam authorities said.
Video footage of the fire showed billowing flames engulfing the church, with thick plumes of smoke billowing from the structure as the fire continued to burn.
Elsewhere in the Netherlands, the head of the Dutch police union, Nine Kooiman, reported an “unprecedented amount of violence against police and emergency services” during New Year’s Eve.
While working her shift on New Year’s Eve, she said she was hit three times by fireworks and other explosives.
With emergency services under pressure, authorities issued a rare nationwide mobile alert shortly after midnight, advising the public to call only in an emergency.
Reports of attacks against police officers and firefighters were widespread across the country. In the city of Breda in the south, people threw petrol bombs at the police.
At least two people have been killed in fireworks-related incidents. They were identified as a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man. Three others were seriously injured.
Rotterdam Eye Hospital said it treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for eye injuries. Two underwent surgery.
It was the last year before the expected ban on unofficial fireworks, so the Dutch were buying them in bulk.
Fireworks enthusiasts spent a record 129 million euros ($151 million), according to the Dutch Fireworks Association.
Some areas were designated as fireworks-free zones, but this seemed to have no effect.
In Germany, two 18-year-olds died in the western city of Bielefeld when they set off homemade fireworks that caused “fatal facial injuries”, local police said in a statement.
