London: A major fire broke out in the tower of the historic Vondelkerk church in Amsterdam shortly after revellers rang in the new year, with videos on social media showing the spire of the 154-year-old building engulfed in flames.
London’s Telegraph reported the fire, which witnesses said had caused a partial roof collapse, had been declared a regional emergency and several dozen homes had been evacuated.
A fire broke out in the tower of the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve. Credit: ANP via AFP
As of 2.30am local time, the fire remained unabated and a national alert was issued warning locals of heavy smoke.Credit: ANP via AFP
It quoted a spokesperson for the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region as saying the church “cannot be saved”.
News outlet ANP said a police officer at the scene expressed fear that the entire church building could collapse.
The building, on the edge of the Vondelpark, near Leidseplein, is no longer used for church services. The middle nave of the Vondelkerk is now used for weddings, dinners, receptions, lectures and musical events or other cultural activities.
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