In the Netherlands
The last turn of the year, when firecrackers and rockets were allowed, was turbulent. In many cities it had to police on New Year’s Eve due to violence and incidents involving fireworks. There were building fires, injuries and arrests.
In Breda, near the Belgian border, police officers were pelted with Molotov cocktails and sidewalk tiles, according to the newspaper De Telegraph reported. The head of the Dutch police union spoke of unprecedented violence against police officers on New Year’s Eve.
In the city of Nijmegen on the German border, a 17-year-old died in an accident involving a firecracker. According to media reports, another person died in the city of Aalsmeer. Fireworks are also said to have played a role here. There are also several seriously injured people across the country.
Church in Amsterdam is on fire
In Amsterdam The tower of the Vondel Church in the city center caught fire. The top of the tower collapsed and a large contingent of firefighters arrived. A large number of homes in the area surrounding the church were evacuated. According to initial reports, there were no injuries. The authorities warned of flying sparks due to strong winds. The church is apparently so badly damaged that it could collapse completely.
The cause of the fire in the approximately 50 meter high tower is not yet known. “It is a very violent and terrible fire in this monumental church,” said Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema. “Our first concern and priority now is the welfare and homes of the immediate residents.”
No more firecrackers allowed next New Year’s Eve
In the Netherlands intervened this year following a parliamentary decision Firecracker ban. Apparently many people took this as an opportunity to buy a lot more firecrackers and rockets. According to the industry association for pyrotechnics, fireworks were sold for 129 million euros, compared to 118 million euros last year, according to the newspaper De Volkskrant reported.
According to the police, the import of illegal pyrotechnics also increased. These have enormous explosive power; the police compare them to bombs and grenades. By the end of December, around 112 tons of illegal fireworks had been confiscated. Last year the total amount was around 107 tons and in 2023 it will be around 79 tons. The sale and setting off of heavy firecrackers have been banned for years. But private individuals can buy them legally in Belgium and Germany and then smuggle them across the border.
