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New Year's Eve chaos erupts across the Netherlands
Dutch police reported an "unprecedented" wave of violence during New Year's Eve celebrations, including attacks with fireworks and explosives, as a historic Amsterdam church burned in a separate incident.
Police targeted amid nationwide unrest
Officers across the Netherlands faced relentless assaults, with fireworks and petrol bombs hurled at them throughout the night. Nine Kooiman, head of the Dutch Police Union, described the level of aggression as unprecedented after being struck by explosives during her shift in Amsterdam.
In the southern city of Breda, police were attacked with petrol bombs, while widespread reports emerged of similar incidents targeting first responders nationwide.
Historic Amsterdam church engulfed in flames
The 19th-century Vondelkerk, a neo-Gothic landmark overlooking Amsterdam's Vondelpark, caught fire in the early hours of New Year's Day. The 50-meter tower collapsed, though authorities expect the main structure to remain intact. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation.
Designed by architect Pierre Cuypers-also known for the Rijksmuseum-the church has been a tourist attraction since its completion in 1872.
Fatalities and injuries reported
Two people died in fireworks-related incidents in the Netherlands: a 17-year-old boy from Nijmegen and a 38-year-old man from Aalsmeer. Across the border in Bielefeld, Germany, two 18-year-olds were killed after setting off homemade explosives.
In Rotterdam, the city's eye hospital treated 14 patients, including 10 minors, for fireworks-related injuries. Two required surgery.
Record spending fuels fireworks surge
The Dutch Pyrotechnics Association reported a record €129 million (£112 million) spent on fireworks this year, despite an upcoming ban on unofficial sales set to take effect in 2026.
