Police in the Netherlands were pelted with fireworks and faced an 'unprecedented amount of violence' on New Year's Eve, officers have said. A 19th century church in Amsterdam was engulfed by fire in the early hours of New Year's Day, although the cause of the blaze is not yet known. The Vondelkerk, which overlooks the largest park in the city, the Vondelpark, has been a tourist attraction since it was built in 1872. Tragically, in Rotterdam, a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man were killed in separate fireworks-related incidents. Additionally, local authorities in Germany reported that two 18-year-olds died after setting off homemade fireworks.
Nine Kooiman, head of the Dutch Police Union, shared her experience of being attacked by fireworks while on duty in Amsterdam, emphasizing the unprecedented violence. Reports indicated widespread attacks against police and firefighters across the country, including petrol bombs thrown in Breda. Eyewitness accounts noted that the city’s eye hospital treated 14 individuals, including 10 minors, for eye injuries—two of whom required surgery. Meanwhile, the Vondelkerk church's roof suffered significant damage leading to the collapse of its 50-meter tower, although the structure itself was expected to remain intact.
Looking ahead, a ban on unofficial fireworks is set to take effect in 2026, following record spending on fireworks in the previous year, totaling €129 million (£112 million). The challenges faced this New Year's Eve highlight the need for ongoing discussions around public safety and fireworks use.
Nine Kooiman, head of the Dutch Police Union, shared her experience of being attacked by fireworks while on duty in Amsterdam, emphasizing the unprecedented violence. Reports indicated widespread attacks against police and firefighters across the country, including petrol bombs thrown in Breda. Eyewitness accounts noted that the city’s eye hospital treated 14 individuals, including 10 minors, for eye injuries—two of whom required surgery. Meanwhile, the Vondelkerk church's roof suffered significant damage leading to the collapse of its 50-meter tower, although the structure itself was expected to remain intact.
Looking ahead, a ban on unofficial fireworks is set to take effect in 2026, following record spending on fireworks in the previous year, totaling €129 million (£112 million). The challenges faced this New Year's Eve highlight the need for ongoing discussions around public safety and fireworks use.
