'Violent' New Year's Eve in Netherlands as up to 250 people arrested
Photo: mass riots on New Year’s Eve erupt in the Netherlands once again (Getty Images)
Dutch police officers described New Year’s Eve as "violent" after responding to numerous incidents, including mass riots, fires, and attacks on emergency service workers, all of which took place during the holiday, according to DutchNews.
Around 250 people were arrested during what police described as a "violent night." At least two people were killed, while others, including many children, sustained serious injuries caused by fireworks.
“Almost all available riot police in the Netherlands were on duty. It was a truly maximum deployment that lasted for much of the night,” acting police chief Willem Paulissen said in a statement.
According to him, the impact of heavy fireworks was "outright devastating" in some areas, and officers "have seen and experienced horrific things."
Shortly after midnight, the 112 emergency number was overwhelmed by a surge in calls reporting fires.
Among the most serious fire incidents were blazes at the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam, a sports hall in Bedum, and a mattress store in Hillegom.
The country's justice minister, Van Oosten, said on social media that police officers, firefighters, and other emergency workers faced deliberate aggression nationwide, calling such attacks "unacceptable."
In Amsterdam alone, more than 50 people were arrested for various offenses. Ambulance crews responded to around 300 call-outs, while firefighters were dispatched over 300 times. Compared with last year, the number of incidents rose sharply, according to a joint statement by the city, police, and the prosecution service.
The Rotterdam-Rijnmond Safety Authority described the night as "extremely intense," with a record number of emergency calls. Between midnight and 3 AM, operators handled an average of seven 112 calls per minute, and total call volume increased by more than 60%.
Hospitals also faced a surge in patients. The burns treatment center at Groningen University Medical Center admitted 19 patients, about twice as many as last year, including 10 children under 15. Major hospitals in The Hague and Eindhoven likewise reported a significant rise in firework-related injuries, though some facilities said they were busy but not overwhelmed.
Nationwide, firefighters were called out nearly 4,300 times, 4% more than last year and over 16% more than the year before.
As previously reported, on January 1, 2026, the historic Vondelkerk in Amsterdam caught fire, prompting the evacuation of nearby residents due to the risk of the blaze spreading.
Mass unrest during New Year celebrations in the Netherlands is not unprecedented. For example, in 2024, more than 200 people were arrested nationwide during the festivities.
