Overnight explosions hit Apeldoorn family crisis center, homes in Rotterdam & Zwijndrecht

A series of overnight explosions across the Netherlands have left several buildings damaged but fortunately caused no injuries. The blasts occurred in multiple locations, including a family crisis center in Apeldoorn, residential areas in Zwijndrecht and Rotterdam, and an apartment building in Amersfoort.

In Apeldoorn, two loud explosions rocked the JP van den Bent Foundation's short-term care facility on the Oude Apeldoornseweg at around 4:30 AM Tuesday. The blasts shattered windows and caused significant damage to multiple rooms, leaving shards of glass scattered across the area. Authorities believe there were nine residents staying at the facility at the time, including some who were above the explosion's epicenter. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Following the explosion, residents were evacuated and provided with emergency blankets as they waited outside. Several were temporarily housed in another building belonging to the same organization, and after about an hour, they were allowed to return to their rooms. Police have sealed off the area for investigation, but no arrests have been made so far. The building provides temporary housing for individuals with mild intellectual disabilities, who stay for up to one year.

In Zwijndrecht, an explosion occurred on Buizerdstraat at approximately 1:00 AM, damaging several homes. The blast shattered windows in three adjacent houses, and one resident’s car had been previously damaged by a similar explosion two weeks ago. Local authorities have confirmed there were no injuries, and the police are searching for witnesses.

Meanwhile, in Rotterdam's Feijenoord district, fireworks were reportedly thrown into a residence on Develstraat, leading to a brief fire and minor damage to the front door. Authorities have not confirmed whether fireworks were the cause of the fire, but reports indicate there was a significant impact.

Later on, around 5:00 AM, a loud explosion occurred on Boezemstraat in Rotterdam-Crooswijk. The blast severely damaged the front door of a house and caused a brief fire, but no one was harmed. Along with these explosions, several cars were set on fire throughout the region, including a vehicle that completely burned out on Venkelweg and another on Claes de Vrieselaan.

Further north, in Amersfoort, a powerful explosion was reported at an apartment building on Verdiweg at 10:55 PM on Monday. Neighbors heard the blast, and police suspect it was an act of vandalism. The explosion damaged several mailboxes and shattered windows, particularly near the building’s entrance. Authorities believe an explosive device detonated near the portico, where the most extensive damage occurred. Firefighters assessed the situation, and although there was significant glass debris, no one was injured, and residents were not required to evacuate their homes.

Police across all affected areas have launched investigations into the explosions. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to determine the cause and identify those responsible for the incidents. Despite the widespread damage, there have been no reports of injuries linked to the explosions so far.