Two arrested in Bedum over New Year’s fire that destroyed sports hall
Two suspects were arrested in Bedum, Groningen, on Friday for alleged involvement in the fire that razed the De Vlijt sports hall on New Year’s night. One suspect is 18 years old, and the other is a minor. They are both from Bedum.
Residents in the area said they heard loud fireworks near the sports hall shortly before the fire started at 11 p.m. It quickly became apparent that the fire was extensive and raging. Firefighters deployed heavy equipment, but the sports hall could not be saved.
Authorities immediately considered arson and began a major investigation. The investigation involved witness interviews, a neighborhood survey, and the examination of (social) media and surveillance footage.
The sports hall, a key community hub in the village, has been deemed a total loss. Asbestos was released during the fire, prompting a temporary cordon and an NL-Alert sent to Bedum residents. Authorities confirmed that asbestos particles were present around the sports hall, but none were found in nearby gardens or buildings outside the fenced-off area.
The fire was part of a busy New Year’s period for emergency calls in Groningen, during which services were also dealing with other major fires, such as house fires elsewhere in the province.
The suspects remain in custody and are being interrogated as the investigation into the fire’s exact cause continues. The police emphasize that the investigation is ongoing and are calling on witnesses or anyone with information to come forward, as the circumstances surrounding the cause of the fire remain unclear and further arrests are possible.
