Explosion at law firm in Amsterdam city center

An explosion caused a fire and significant damage to a law firm on Spuistraat in Amsterdam city center early on Monday morning. The police are investigating why the law firm was targeted and are looking for the perpetrators.

Records show that the fire brigade was first dispatched to Spuistraat 10 Advocaten at 5:05 a.m. Firefighters escalated the alarm ten minutes later.

According to the police, the quick response meant that they quickly managed to extinguish the fire, but the damage was still considerable. A large window was blown out and there is smoke damage inside and outside the building, according to photos from the scene.

“There were large flames in the building and the explosion was very loud,” a police spokesperson told AT5. The blast woke several locals and guests staying at the adjacent hotel.

According to Parool, Spuistraat 10 Advocaten houses a social law firm where lawyers each rent their own part. The lawyers working in the building handle criminal cases, immigration issues, tenant rights, and family law. There are also lawyers who specialize in civil matters like neighbor disputes, worker rights, and construction and renovation permits. Another law firm rents the space above.

The police are investigating why the law firm was targeted. “We are calling on anyone with information about a possible conflict to come forward,” a police spokesperson said to Parool. “You can also do this anonymously.”