The large fire that destroyed several classrooms of primary school St. Antonius Abt on the Maasstraat in the Eindhoven church village of Acht on Friday night, was most likely caused by fireworks. So there is no question of deliberate arson, the police conclude after an investigation.
“The investigation is still ongoing, but after speaking with several witnesses, we do not think that there is intent and that there is therefore no question of arson. Several witnesses have seen fireworks,” a police spokesperson told Omroep Brabant.
“With a fire, it is often difficult to determine exactly what the cause is, because the evidence often burns with it.”
The fire raged in several classrooms. The damage is extensive, but the fire brigade was able to save a large part of the school.
A lot of smoke was released. The smoke had been seen far into the area. Local residents were advised to keep windows and doors closed. An NL-alert was sent to people in the area.
“Many team members and teachers live in the area and came to watch. Some stood with tears in their eyes because they have been working at this school for almost forty years,” the school director told Omroep Brabant.