Forensic investigators still unable to enter buildings in Arnhem city center after fire

Employees of the Landelijk Team Forensische Opsporing, which is the country’s main forensic investigation team, were present at the scene of the devastating fire in Arnhem city center on Friday. An officer told reporters that they are currently unable to enter the buildings due to a concern that they may collapse.

The reason for the fire is not yet being investigated, due to the inability to enter buildings. A spokesperson for the fire department has said that it will take days before there is any clarity regarding possible fatalities. Thus far, no people have been reported missing and no victims have been found as of yet.

Police are currently keeping all options open, a spokesperson said. It was reported on Thursday that the fire possibly came as a result of arson. Reports claimed that a group of people were seen close to the area where the fire began shortly before it arose.

Another fire broke out at a furniture store an evening before the fire in the city center. It is currently not clear whether these two incidents are connected.

The city’s mayor, Ahmed Marcouch, visited the affected area on Friday. The mayor was informed about the fire, the evacuation of residents, and the extinguishing and demolition work. The mayor returned early from his vacation in Morocco to handle the fire.

The building on the Jansstraat where the fire began on Thursday has been demolished. The building extends dozens of meters into the block. A large section of the side of the block has also burned out. There was still plenty of smoke in the area on Friday and the fire department are still present at the scene.

Members of the Landelijk Team Forensische Opsporing were walking up and down the block while taking photos, but are not yet entering the buildings.

Most of the stores and catering establishments are allowed to reopen on Friday. Buses are also able to drive through the city center as usual after they were redirected on Thursday.

A spokesperson for Liander has stated that gas and power were not yet available at all the locations. Around 70 connections still had no gas in the early hours of Friday afternoon. Liander is working on restoring the gas "where it can be done safely.” The same applies to the power connections. According to the spokesperson, some 45 connections in the area still had no power just after noon.