Fire Destroys Amsterdam’s Historic Vondel Church During New Year Celebrations

A major fire destroyed Amsterdam’s historic Vondel Church shortly after midnight during New Year celebrations, causing its tower and roof to collapse and leaving the 154-year-old building beyond repair. The blaze, which may have been linked to illegal fireworks, prompted evacuations but caused no injuries. The incident was among several that marred New Year’s Eve in the Netherlands, where fireworks accidents killed two people, injured others, and sparked widespread violence against police and emergency services.

Amsterdam’s historic Vondel Church, located near one of the city’s most popular parks, was largely destroyed by a major fire that broke out as New Year celebrations were underway, according to local media reports on Thursday. The blaze caused the collapse of the former Catholic church’s roughly 50-metre-high tower and its roof, leaving the 154-year-old structure beyond repair. An emergency services spokesperson described the building as “no longer salvageable,” while Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema called it “a very intense and terrible fire in this monumental church.”
The fire was first reported shortly after midnight and was quickly classified as a major incident, prompting firefighters to request assistance from neighboring regions across the Netherlands. Strong winds helped fuel the flames, making the operation more difficult. To combat the blaze, authorities deployed extensive resources, including a 60-metre-high aerial work platform from the Dutch navy. The fire was eventually brought under control on Thursday morning after several hours of intense efforts.
As a precaution, a large number of residents living in nearby flats were evacuated, although no injuries were reported. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire, but speculation has grown that New Year’s Eve fireworks may have played a role, given that the blaze began minutes after midnight, shortly after fireworks were set off across the city. Although Amsterdam banned the sale of fireworks to the public in 2020, many illegal fireworks were still ignited by residents during the celebrations.
Vondel Church was a neo-Gothic landmark designed by renowned Dutch architect Pierre Cuypers, who also designed Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum. The building had not been used for religious services since 1977 and had since been repurposed as an event venue, hosting cultural and social gatherings.
The church fire was among several serious incidents that overshadowed New Year’s celebrations across the Netherlands. Elsewhere in the country, two people — a 17-year-old boy and a 38-year-old man — died in fireworks-related accidents, while three others were seriously injured. The Rotterdam Eye Hospital reported treating 14 patients for eye injuries, including 10 minors.
The Dutch Pyrotechnics Association suggested that an upcoming ban on the sale of fireworks to consumers may have contributed to a surge in purchases ahead of New Year’s Eve. According to the association, people spent a record €129 million on fireworks for the celebrations. Dutch police also reported an unprecedented level of violence directed at officers and emergency workers, with incidents involving fireworks, stones and even petrol bombs in several locations, including the city of Breda.