Skip to main content
Netherlands News in English

Main navigation

  • Top stories
  • Health
  • Crime
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Tech
  • Culture
  • Sports
  • Weird
  • 1-1-2
Image
Dutch police at the scene of a crime
Dutch police at the scene of a crime - Credit: twixx / DepositPhotos - License: DepositPhotos
Crime
explosion
bombing
explosive
Utrecht
Europaplein
police
Coolblue
Thursday, 12 December 2019 - 07:37

Share this article:

Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window

Explosion at Coolblue store in Utrecht; two perpetrators at large

An explosive went off at a Coolblue store on Europaplein in Utrecht early on Thursday morning. Two perpetrators were seen fleeing the scene on a scooter, the Utrecht police said on Twitter.

The explosion happened at around 2:00 a.m. It seems the perpetrators were trying to blow their way into the store. Photos on social media show at least three windows shattered, though the safety glass kept them in the frame. Whether the perpetrators managed to get inside, is unclear.

The blast woke many Utrecht residents. According to RTV Utrecht, reports of the explosion came from as far as Dichterswijk, 2.5 kilometers away from the scene.

The two perpetrators were seen fleeing on a scooter in the direction of Lunetten. They were wearing a black helmet, a jacket with a fur collar, and had bags with them, according to the police.

According to RTV Utrecht, the Coolblue store on Europaplein was also targeted on July 12th this year, when three perpetrators crashed a car through its window. The police arrested them.

Update: Plofkraak bij Coolblue in Utrecht. De schade is enorm, of er iets is buitgemaakt is onbekend. De politie zit nog achter de daders aan. Afgelopen zomer was dit Coolblue-filiaal doelwit van een ramkraak. Toen werden drie verdachten gepakt. https://t.co/CKRuDMZRGo pic.twitter.com/kVsuD4Fd4J

— RTV Utrecht (@rtvutrecht) December 12, 2019

More like this

Image
The Bunnikside in the FC Utrecht Stadium
Explosive attacks target FC Utrecht security guards after intervention in riots: report
Image
Man wanted for placing an explosive on a shelf in a Plus supermarket in Eschmarke, Enschede, on 13 March 2026. It exploded just after midnight on 17 March 2026
Video: Explosive lay on Enschede supermarket's shelf for 3 days before exploding
Image
Firefighters try to extinguish flames after an explosion took place on Visscherssteeg in the city center of Utrecht. 15 Jan. 2026
No victims found in rubble of Utrecht explosion; Residents can't go home yet
Image
Police officer cordoning off a crime scene
Tanning salon owner subjected to years of violence wants more aid for entrepreneurs
Make NL Times your top Google source

Follow us:

Latest stories

  • Council of State strongly opposes plan to scrap asylum distribution law
  • Video: Escaped monkey from Beekse Bergen still on the loose after nearly a month
  • Dutch U.S. ambassador sends Venezuelan opposition leader’s plane back during the flight
  • No free water at Arnhem festival where high heat injured five; Water cost over €14/liter
  • Netherlands summons Russian ambassador over Russia's hacking of military supply routes

Top stories

  • Ter Apel asylum center area declared safety risk zone after recent stabbings, fights
  • Suspect in ABN Amro worker's fatal stabbing also harassed four other women
  • New public transport strikes looming as contract talks stall
  • Explosion at apartment complex in Woerden; Dozens of homes evacuated
  • Dutch SMEs investing less due to high costs and inconsistent gov't policy: study

© 2012-2026, NL Times, All rights reserved.

Footer menu

  • Change Privacy Settings
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
  • Partner Content