Explosion at Red Cross hospital in Beverwijk sparks fire
An explosive device detonated at the Red Cross hospital in Beverwijk early this morning, sparking a fire near the hospital’s supplier entrance on Akerendamlaan, RTL Nieuws reports. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. and caused significant damage, including shattered windows and a blackened section of the building’s facade, according to local authorities.
“There were large flames for a short time,” police said in a statement, sharing an image of the scene. “This is the last place where such a thing should happen,” a police spokesperson told RTL Nieuws. “The shock is immense.”
The fire was quickly brought under control. Hospital staff initially began firefighting efforts before the fire department arrived to fully extinguish the blaze. Three people inhaled smoke during the incident and were treated at the scene, according to the Veiligheidsregio Kennemerland.
The main entrance of the hospital, located on Vondellaan, was not affected. The building also houses the Brandwondencentrum Beverwijk, a specialized burn treatment center.
Authorities have no leads on why the hospital was targeted, according to the police spokesperson. “We are investigating this now,” they said. Witnesses to the explosion are urged to come forward.
This marks the second fire incident at the hospital in recent months. In November, the facility was potentially targeted in an arson attack, though no suspects were identified or apprehended in that case. Police plan to issue a renewed call for tips in the regional crime investigation program on Wednesday.
