A roughly 150-year-old deconsecrated church in Amsterdam, the Vondelkerk, was severely damaged by a fire that broke out shortly after midnight on New Year’s Day, though no casualties were reported.
Flames tore through the neo-Gothic spire, collapsing the tower and heavily damaging the roof as strong winds spread burning debris, prompting evacuations of nearby homes.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control by late morning, and officials said the church’s walls were expected to remain standing.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, with investigators noting that fireworks in the area during New Year’s celebrations may be a factor, the New York Times has reported.
Built in the 1870s and designed by Pierre Cuypers, the historic church had previously survived a major fire in 1904 that destroyed its original spire.
