Fire destroys historic church in central Amsterdam

The fire broke out around 1:00 a.m. in the tower of the church. According to preliminary data, there were no casualties, reports NOS.

Due to strong winds, burning particles were scattered around, so dozens of residential buildings in the immediate vicinity of the church had to be evacuated. Residents temporarily found shelter in a nearby yoga studio.

Rescuers feared the building would collapse, but in the morning, the security service reported that the threat of collapse had passed and the walls of the church had remained standing.

As of this morning, the fire had not yet been completely contained: at around 9:00 a.m., firefighters were still recording isolated pockets of fire.

Evacuated residents will be able to return to their homes during the day.

The cause of the fire is still unknown. Rumors are spreading among local residents that fireworks hit the tower, but the fire department cannot confirm this.

The church building, designed at the end of the 19th century, was used as a Catholic church until 1977. It now has the status of a national monument and served as a venue for special events, as well as Sunday services for the Liberty Church community.

Photo: NOS.