Over €65,000 raised for residents and businesses after Utrecht explosion
Multiple fundraisers have collected over 65,150 euros for residents and businesses affected by a massive explosion last week on Visscherssteeg in central Utrecht. The blast destroyed homes and commercial properties, leaving the area in ruins. One general crowdfunding initiative to help affected people in the Utrecht neighborhood had collected 7,650 euros by Tuesday afternoon, according to organizer Voor Je Stadsie.
Rood & Bloem, a city garden store, suffered major damage and had to temporarily close, leaving owner Carolien and her team without income and with a damaged inventory. She said, “On Thursday, January 15, my store was hit by the explosion in Utrecht. In an instant, a place full of color, fragrance, and life turned into a place of uncertainty. The doors are closed, the damage is great, and I don’t yet know if—or how—we can reopen. Everything that my team and I have built over years is suddenly in jeopardy. The future is uncertain without income and with a damaged stock.”
By Tuesday midday, Rood & Bloem’s fundraiser had collected 26,532 euros. The store, known for sustainable plants, unique gifts, and personalized advice, has been a staple of Utrecht for years. "That place is something we really want to preserve for Utrecht," Carolien added. "With your help, we can take the first steps: clean up, repair, and work together on a restart, either on Springweg or at a new location. Every contribution gives my team and me air and confidence to move forward.”
Merijn and Jannina, who lived one door from the explosion site, were at home when it occurred and narrowly escaped the collapsing building. Friends Chiel, Casper, and Thijs set up a fundraiser for the couple, noting, “The fear they experienced is unimaginable. That blast wiped out their home and all their belongings in an instant. There is nothing, absolutely nothing, left.” Their campaign has raised over 13,000 euros so far on GoFundMe.
Bakkerij KEEK, located in a side street off Visscherssteeg, was also heavily damaged. Owner Maria van Lamoen, who started a fundraiser for the bakery, said she is insured but uncertain what exactly will be reimbursed. She plans to use the donations to purchase a new electric vehicle for transporting ingredients and baked goods. By Tuesday midday, the bakery’s fundraiser had collected 10,800 euros.
Danny Nendels’ partner had opened a hair salon, Absalom, only a year and a half ago. The explosion destroyed the business. Danny wrote, “Although we hope funds will come from a disaster fund and insurers, that is still uncertain. Every contribution will go directly toward restarting Absalom. It will take significant money, time, and effort to restore it to its former state.” By Tuesday midday, the Absalom fundraiser had raised 7,300 euros.
