Two explosions occurred last night at a gallery flat in Amsterdam North. In the first incident, a bang was heard, which was caused by heavy fireworks. A few hours later, presumably at the same address, jerry cans with petrol were ignited, causing a second explosion. A fire also broke out, but no one was injured.
The first explosion may have occurred around 10:30 p.m. in the flat on B. Merkelbachsingel. Not much later, around 3:00 am, a second explosion took place.
The second time jerry cans with petrol were lit, the police qualifies as arson. This also caused a fire, which the fire brigade managed to extinguish quickly. Two front doors were damaged. A video from a local resident shows how the flames beat out of the house.
Fire at gallery flat in North – Martin Damen
Old man removed from home
An old man was taken from the house where there was a lot of damage. He was not injured, but was checked by paramedics. He could not sleep at home and may have been taken care of in a hotel.
The fire was on the fourth floor and was quickly under control, but caused considerable damage. A number of other residents of the complex had to leave their homes temporarily.
Trace investigation
The police have designated the gallery and the houses as a crime scene and have carried out a trace investigation. It is not yet clear what is behind the two incidents. The police have not yet arrested anyone. The video below shows that the fire in Elzenhagen was also clearly visible from a distance.
Fire in gallery flat in Noord – Local resident