Video: Massive warehouse fire rages in Alblasserdam, now contained
A large fire broke out Saturday evening at a company warehouse on Van Hennaertweg in Alblasserdam, sending thick smoke over the nearby A15 highway and forcing its closure for several hours. The blaze was fully brought under control early Sunday morning, Rijnmond reported.
The fire started around 9:50 p.m., quickly engulfing the warehouse. Firefighters responded with extensive resources, including aerial equipment, and removed parts of the building using a forklift to prevent further damage.
The warehouse belongs to Bon Bon Catering & Events, whose previous facility was destroyed in a fire on July 30, 2023. Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the latest fire.
Authorities said the fire was too dangerous to fight from inside, so crews focused on external firefighting and protecting a nearby office building.
The blaze produced heavy smoke that drifted low over the A15. Authorities issued an NL-Alert advising residents to close windows and doors and allow emergency services to operate freely.
The highway was closed in both directions: traffic toward Rotterdam was rerouted via the N3 to the A16, and traffic toward Gorinchem was diverted near Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. The A15 reopened after the fire was contained.
Firefighting efforts continued through the night, with the blaze under control by 2:00 a.m. Sunday. The last fire vehicle left the scene at 7:15 a.m.
