Asbestos contamination shuts down road in Ede after garden center fire
A fire at a former garden center warehouse on Kalverkampweg in northern Ede has led to the release of asbestos particles, prompting authorities to shut down a key section of the provincial road N224, according to the municipality.
The fire broke out around 5 p.m. on Thursday and has since been extinguished. The site, previously occupied by Tuincentrum Kernhem, released asbestos that spread to the surrounding area, including the N224 roadway.
In response, the entire stretch of the N224 between Lunterseweg and Raadhuisstraat has been closed to all traffic. This includes a closure to cyclists and pedestrians at the Lunterseweg junction.
The fire department is reportedly no longer present at the scene. Cleanup of the asbestos-contaminated area is being handled by a specialized company. The municipality stated that this operation “can still take some time,” and the road will remain closed until it is completed.
Residents living near the affected area have been advised that soot particles may still be present in their neighborhood. These soot particles can be left to wash away with rain or may be swept up using a dustpan and brush.
The municipality also instructed residents to place the debris in a securely tied trash bag and dispose of it with the regular waste. Residents are urged to wash their hands thoroughly afterward.
