Jos has not been able to visit the urn grave of daughter and parents for weeks after a fire

1/3 Jos van de Voort has to visit the grave of his loved ones from behind a fence (photo: Imke van de Laar).

Part of the cemetery in Veghel is still closed after the fire in the chapel on New Year’s Eve. That chapel is adjacent to the cemetery. Due to the risk of collapse, 150 graves and urns are still behind fences. To his sorrow, Jos van de Voort has been unable to visit his deceased daughter and parents for weeks.

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Imke van de Laar

“There they are”, points out Jos van de Voort. He looks at the urn grave where his daughter Laura and his parents are buried together. A large iron fence has been around it for four weeks. The white lantern on the grave, which normally always has a candle lit, is empty. “I always came here two to three times a week. To light the candle and talk to them in my mind.”

That suddenly came to an end on New Year’s Eve. Just after midnight, the congregation chapel caught fire. “I heard it very quickly,” says Jos. “I immediately called the pastor to ask what exactly was going on. But that was not clear at the time. It was very exciting whether the fire would also spread to the church or the presbytery and whether the graves would be damaged .”

“There is still a chance that stones or beams will come down from the chapel.”

A few days after the fire, Jos received the good news that the graves, as far as they can see, have not been damaged. Josh was relieved. But he still hasn’t been able to see it with his own eyes. “There is still a chance that stones or beams will come down from the chapel. And the urn grave of Laura and my parents is right next to it. The danger is too great.”

Elly van Liempt’s mother is also buried in the section. “Over there by that red candle,” she points out while standing on tiptoe in front of the fence. “I often come to bring flowers, but that is not possible now.”

“Emotionally it is very difficult. You want to go to the grave.”

Elly, like many other relatives, understands the situation despite the loss. “It is for our own safety that we are not allowed to come closer. But emotionally it is very difficult. You still want to go to the grave.”

Soon the facade of the chapel will be propped up. The fences will probably go down in about three weeks. Jos already knows what the first thing he will do. “Light the candle in the lantern again. I’ll burn a candle for them at home now, but they’re here so I want to make light here too.”

Elly plans to bring a beautiful bunch of flowers to her mother. She explains with a smile: “After what she has been through here, she deserves a flower.”

Elly van Liempt looks at her mother's grave (photo: Imke van de Laar).
Elly van Liempt looks at her mother’s grave (photo: Imke van de Laar).

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