Video: Explosion damages Amsterdam-Oost apartment building; Two teens on fatbike sought
An explosion at an apartment complex on Ombilinstraat in Amsterdam-Oost on Saturday afternoon triggered a fire and forced the evacuation of 24 homes, NH reports. Police are now searching for two teenage boys who allegedly fled the scene on a fatbike. A fire department spokesperson said there were no injuries. Four people were checked by ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation, but no one was hurt.
Emergency services received the first report at about 5:28 p.m. The fire department quickly escalated the response to a medium fire and then a large fire after flames broke out in the building’s entryway. Police and the Explosives Safety Team have concluded in preliminary findings that the explosion was intentional. A police spokesperson said, "It was caused by human action.”
Authorities are searching for two boys, believed to be around 14 years old, who fled on a fatbike after the explosion. One was described as wearing a helmet and a black jacket, while the other wore a pink jacket and jeans. Police are asking witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.
A nearby snack bar owner on Valentijnkade told NH the blast sounded “harder than thunder.” About half of the evacuated residents were allowed to return to their homes Saturday evening.
Officials said the building sustained significant damage. A structural safety inspection will be conducted after the on-site investigation is completed. Several apartment doors will also need to be replaced after firefighters forced entry to check whether anyone was inside.
