Amsterdam youth center in Slotervaart closed for six months after two explosions

A youth center in Slotervaart, in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, will be closed for six months after two separate explosions on April 19 and April 23 prompted safety concerns, Mayor Femke Halsema announced.

The decision follows repeated incidents at the building located at the intersection of Johan Jongkindstraat and Jan Tooropstraat, AT5 reports.

The first explosion on April 19 caused a brief fire, leaving a blackened facade and a shattered window. In response, the city installed surveillance cameras at the site to prevent further attacks.

Despite those measures, a second explosion occurred on April 23. The incident was captured on the installed cameras. Authorities said the repeated nature of the attacks made continued operation of the center too risky.

Mayor Halsema wrote in her decision: “Less far-reaching alternative measures, such as camera surveillance, have failed to prevent a new explosion and are less effective on public order than the closure of the building.”