On Twitter, people write that they have heard two explosions. There are also reports that two boys fled on a scooter after the explosions. The police spokesperson could not confirm either of these reports so far. “Investigations are still underway.” The explosion happened around 2.15 am. Several emergency services, such as the police, fire brigade and Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service (EOD), came to the incident.
Debris
The damage to the shop where the ATM was and the apartment complex next door is extensive. Images from AT5 show that the shop front and the stairwell of the building next door have been destroyed and that there are many debris on the street. Several homes have been evacuated as a precaution, the police spokesperson said.
It is the second explosion in a week in Amsterdam. Last Saturday a fire broke out after an explosion at Tussen Meer in the Osdorp district. Even then, witnesses saw a scooter with two people drive away after the explosion.
Explosion
The explosion in Helmond at a shop on the Ameidestraat caused a small fire.
The text continues below the photo.
Harrie Grijseels/Press agency Heitink
The fire brigade evacuated about ten residents from the apartments above. No one was injured.
A police spokesperson said it was unlikely to be a robbery. Nothing appears to have been taken from the store and there was no ATM, he said. The police are investigating exactly what happened.