Raphael Magermans just started his own business a year and a half ago and saw everything he built up in that time go up in flames last night. “I was sleeping like a log and got a phone call, they suddenly say: ‘Your bus is on fire’. So I put on my pants and go look,” the victim looks back on his night.
Last night at a quarter to four it was hit in Assen for the second time this night. Another vehicle burned down, the first fire was already around 10 p.m. in the Nobellaan. Magermans’ bus was parked in Assen-Oost, in Begoniastraat.
In the end, Magermans stands on the street watching how his bus burns down and his private car is also damaged beyond repair. “I only bought it three weeks ago,” says Magermans. “Both the bus and the car were third-party insured. I wanted a limited hull, but then you pay double premium. That’s 350 euros.”
Magermans does not know what exactly happened last night. “I don’t have a clue, not at all. I have no enemies, I don’t know what to think.”
The future of his company is still uncertain. “I was supposed to start a collaboration on January 9, but I have nothing left now. No idea if that can continue.” Magermans was also not sufficiently insured for the equipment in his bus. “You only now find out. Then suddenly the whole earth collapses.”
A forensic investigation is now underway at the scene of the fire. The police are also conducting a neighborhood investigation.