Fire (Photo: Laurens Niezen/EPA)

On New Year's Eve in the capital of the Netherlands, a fire almost destroyed the historic Vondelkerk (Vondel Church). This was reported by the broadcaster NOS.

The fire started shortly before 01:00 in the church tower. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties.

Dozens of houses nearby were evacuated as the debris was carried by the wind. Residents were placed in a nearby yoga studio. It is unclear when they will be able to return to their homes.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema visited the scene of the fire.

The cause of the fire in the church, whose construction began in 1872, is still unknown. There is evidence that local residents shot fireworks at the tower, but the fire department has not yet been able to confirm this.

Many people came to see the fire. As a result, emergency services sometimes had difficulty accessing the fire site.

The building served as a Catholic Church until 1977. Today, according to the Amsterdam municipality's website, the building is used for celebrations.

REFERENCE

The Vondelkerk is a historic church in Amsterdam, located next to Vondel Park. It was built in 1872-1873 by the famous Dutch architect Pierre Capers. The building is made in the Neo-Gothic style and features a characteristic brick architecture and a tall tower. Due to a decline in the number of parishioners in the twentieth century, the church lost its religious function. It is now used as a space for cultural events, concerts, and public events.

Photo: Remko de Waal/EPA
Photo: Laurens Niezen/EPA
Photo: Laurens Niezen/EPA