In the Eindhoven region, the New Year was rung in by explosions, fires, and a stabbing.
Early on Tuesday morning, a 38-year-old man from Helmond was seriously injured in a stabbing. The incident happened in the Heuvel parking garage in Eindhoven
The stabbing occurred at about 04:45. The victim was treated at the scene, then brought by ambulance to a trauma helicopter that had landed on the Beursgebouw. The victim had facial and head wounds and was transported to a hospital in Tilburg.
The police have taken three people, who might have something to do with the stabbing, into custody. They were found in a car that wanted to leave the parking garage after the incident took place. Of the three men, two are from Belgium, and the third is from Turkey.
The reason for the stabbing is not yet known, although it is suspected to have been caused by a disagreement. The police have begun an extensive investigation. Witnesses are being questioned, and video images are being watched. The police are asking anyone with any information to come forward.
Explosion
The explosion was in a house in Sint Petrus Canisiuslaan, Eindhoven. It appears that fireworks flew into the residence and set other fireworks alight. The extent of the damage, and whether anyone was injured is not clear.
A fire also occurred on a flat’s balcony in Torenallee, Strijp-S. According to the fire department, it was on the sixth floor, making it difficult to reach. No-one was home, so it is thought that the fire started as a result of fireworks.
In Geldrop, there was also a fire in an apartment building. It also started on the balcony of the flat and spread to two flats.
On New Year’s Eve, the fire department also had to put out a fire that was burning in a rubbish container at the Woensel shopping centre. It started at about 18:30. Although its cause is unknown, it is thought that a firework was thrown into the container. The fire was quickly brought under control.
ATM blown up
A large number of shops in the Biarritzplein shopping centre were also extensively damaged by an explosion. This, however, had nothing to do with fireworks.
On Tuesday morning at about 06:45, criminals blow up the ABN Amro ATM located at the Kruidvat in the shopping centre. The explosion caused damage in a wide area. Houses up to 150 metres away had their windows blown out and the facade of the building where the ATM was housed, collapsed. Glass and bricks were strewn everywhere.
The area surrounding the carnage has been cordoned off. According to a police spokesperson, the investigation is going to take some time. The police are in consultation with various parties. These include investigators, explosive experts, forensic investigators, and the area police. There is, thus far, no trace of the perpetrators.
Source: Studio040
Translator: Melinda Walraven
