Overview
- Flames broke out around 1 a.m. in the church tower, collapsing the spire and heavily damaging the roof while the perimeter walls largely remained standing.
- Firefighters evacuated dozens of nearby homes and cut electricity to about 90 residences as a precaution during overnight operations.
- Authorities have not identified a cause; neighbors told NOS they saw fireworks near the tower, but the fire department has not confirmed that account.
- Mayor Femke Halsema mourned the loss of a cherished landmark, noting the building’s deep significance to the neighborhood.
- The blaze unfolded during widespread New Year’s unrest in the Netherlands, including two fireworks-related deaths and reported attacks on police and first responders in cities such as Breda.