Asbestos released in Nieuwegein fire; industrial terrain closed for investigation

Asbestos was released during a large fire on industrial terrain Liesbosch in Nieuwegein on Sunday night. On Monday morning a number of roads around the terrain, including the N408 in both directions, are closed to the public, as the authorities investigate how far the asbestos spread. 

The fire started in a warehouse on Ravenswade, which used to be a distribution center for supermarket chain Albert Heijn, according to news wire ANP. Firefighters had the fire under control around 1:00 a.m. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.  

Men and women in orange clothing are redirecting traffic around the industrial terrain on Monday morning, AD reports. Nobody is allowed into the terrain, including work traffic and trucks carrying cargo. 

"Everything is quiet now", a business manager for Haco Lichtreclame BV, located across the street from the affected warehouse, said to AD. "Normally everything is already in production by seven o'clock."

The specialized company found asbestos on the N408, according to the newspaper. The asbestos investigation is expected to take several hours.

The Laagravenseweg is closed in both directions between the Hooggraven traffic circle and Houtenseweg. De Koppelijk is closed to all traffic near Utrechtseweg. The Seychellenpad is closed a the Koppelbrug and the Liesboschpad is closed at the A12. Bike paths on Waijensedijk are also closed near Fortweg. 

Traffic can reach Liesbosch via Winthontlaan in a limited way. Traffic to and from Houten can use Limesbaan or De Staart. 

Residents of Nieuwegein are asked to avoid Plettenburgerbaan and Laagravenseweg. Residents of Houten are advised to avoid Utrechtseweg and Laagravenseweg. Residents of both towns are advised to keep their windows and doors closed.