- Many people ushered in the New Year 2026 by lighting fireworks around the world, but for some, the celebrations turned out to be sad.
- Two people were killed in fireworks-related accidents, while several others were injured, according to a police statement
- In a separate incident, a popular church that also serves as a major tourist attraction was set on fire, destroying its roof as investigations into the cause of the fire continue.
The year 2026 is not off to a good start for everyone, as heartbreaking events unfolded during the New Year celebrations to celebrate the new year.
Source: UGC
Two people were confirmed dead, while several others suffered serious injuries following firework accidents during the celebrations.
The dead include a 38-year-old man and a young man who died in different cities following similar incidents in the Netherlands.
Police confirmed the incidents in a statement highlighting the chaos that occurred on New Year’s Eve.
“The effects of heavy fireworks and arson on New Year’s Eve in some areas were devastating. Targeted violence against emergency services and the police was again severe,” the statement read, as Al Jazeera reported.
How many people were arrested on New Year’s Eve?
Police further confirmed that 250 people were arrested on New Year’s Eve, and in several cities hit by violence, officers were sent to restore peace.
It was learned that some people threw explosives at police officers, causing injuries and property damage.
Adding to the damage, the historic 19th century church was largely destroyed by fire during the much-anticipated festivities.
Video captured the tower of the Vondelkerk church, a popular tourist attraction, engulfed in flames, with the tower collapsing and the roof badly damaged by the fire.
Was the Vondelkerk church completely destroyed?
Despite the devastating fire, the building was expected to remain structurally intact after emergency services brought the fire under control.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined while the investigation continues to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
For luck good, no casualties or injuries were reported at the church, as the building was unoccupied at the time of the fire.
“It is a fierce and terrible fire in this great church. Our first concern and priority now is the well-being and homes of the nearby residents,” said Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema.
Social media users are touched by the tragedy in Amsterdam
Social media users reacted differently as they shared their mixed reactions in the comments section.
Ian Carlyle:
“It seems to me that many religious institutions are being burned down around the world. Is it a coincidence or is it a controlled arson? I think the latter.”
David Wainwright:
“It is no longer a church, which was abandoned several years ago. However, the loss of a wonderful building designed by the famous architect Cuypers.”
John Bradford:
“It’s funny how churches around the world seem to catch fire, but Muslim places of worship don’t. Why is that?”
Polenta Maximus:
“Hiroshima was burned by nuclear, all the buildings were burned, but they were rebuilt because the Japanese remained after that, not the doctors and engineers.”
Sylvain Perrot:
“We were in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve and we were really surprised by all the fireworks. Sometimes it can be dangerous for so many people on the streets.”
Natsiri Christy:
“This happens because people don’t understand how dangerous it is to light fireworks near houses, streets, and communities. The government says fireworks are not allowed in the city, but people don’t care. This was a beautiful historical place that many people appreciate, but it was destroyed because some people just want to have fun.”
Liesbeth Biermans:
“Living in the city of Pierre Cuypers, where he was born, it saddens me to hear this news. More history has been lost because of that stupidity. Last year, there was a great play in Roermond about Cuypers, his life, his great work, and what he meant to our country.”
Source: UGC
Kiambu family rendered homeless on New Year’s Eve
In another related incident, a family in Kiambu county was left homeless after their house was reduced to ashes following a fire.
The incident occurred when a child attempted to light fireworks inside the house, causing the structure to catch fire and be completely destroyed.
The boy’s mother later opened up about the tragedy on New Year’s Eve, revealing that the family was left in a difficult position as they searched for alternative shelter.
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