The tower of the church Vondelkerk in Amsterdam collapsed in the early hours of New Year’s Day after being engulfed in flames shortly after midnight. It’s noted that parts of the top of the 154-year-old church had already collapsed after two hours of fire. Surrounding houses were evacuated as the fire shot ash and pieces of old wood into the air. Firefighters even rang bells themselves to warn residents.
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Amsterdam: What caused the fire at Vondelkerk church
The Vondelkerk church was built in 1872 and operated until 1977, but since then has been available for special uses.
The fire was likely caused by fireworks thrown by youth gangs.
NEW: Fire Erupts at Amsterdam’s Vondelkerk, Flames Seen at Top of Church
— Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) January 1, 2026
Het instorten van de toren gefilmd door nog een omstanderhttps://t.co/BuFfztkJcI pic.twitter.com/JIa5HVCMVy
— AT5 (@AT5) January 1, 2026
De hulpdiensten hebben opgeschaald naar Grip 1 en ‘zeer grote brand’. Volg de ontwikkelingen hier:https://t.co/SwkM7lbeiJ pic.twitter.com/WkzkgthpLD
— AT5 (@AT5) January 1, 2026
Brand in #amsterdam pic.twitter.com/z0CrXamkXn
— Slicky Sleeves (@Slicky_sleeves) January 1, 2026
BREAKING:
The tower of the neo-Gothic Vondelkerk Church in Amsterdam has collapsed aftera fire engulfed the church just after midnight.
It’s believed that youth gangs with fireworks are behind the blaze.
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 1, 2026
