Man Sets Himself, Car on‍ Fire in Amsterdam’s Dam Square; Suicide Suspected

Amsterdam, Netherlands (April 4, 2025) – A ​man in Amsterdam allegedly set himself and his car ablaze in Dam Square⁢ on Friday, ‌prompting a police⁣ investigation into a possible suicide ‍attempt.

According to reports,including images and videos circulating on local media and online platforms,a red car came to a halt near ‌teh National Monument,situated on the southeast side of the square. Shortly after, a‍ small explosion occurred, and​ flames engulfed the vehicle. The⁤ incident caused immediate panic, with crowds scattering as smoke billowed from ​the car.

Amsterdam police ⁤confirmed the event via X,stating,”Camera footage indicates⁣ the ‍fire in⁤ Dam Square ⁣was⁤ triggered by an ⁢explosion within a car. While numerous people were in close proximity, no injuries have been reported at this time.”

Police units quickly cordoned off the area around the burning vehicle. Authorities believe ​the driver intentionally started the fire, sustaining injuries in the process.

The driver, his clothes ablaze, reportedly exited the vehicle. Officers⁣ extinguished the flames and transported the injured man to a local hospital. He is now in police custody.

Authorities identified the man as a 50-year-old‌ Dutch citizen from the North Holland province. police have withheld his name.

“Detectives‌ are exploring all possible angles, ‍but strongly suspect the man intended to commit ⁣suicide. Arson is suspected,” police said in a statement.

The​ police and​ explosives experts examined ⁣the charred remains of the vehicle. A ‍large portion of Dam⁣ Square remained closed to ​the ​public ⁢during the⁤ investigation. An eyewitness, speaking to⁢ local television station AT5, reported hearing a small ⁣explosion ‍followed by people fleeing.”Then suddenly, there⁣ was a loud ‌explosion and a lot of ⁣black smoke. After that,I saw the man. Suddenly he burned,” the eyewitness stated.

This incident ⁢follows a recent stabbing attack in Dam Square last week, where a Ukrainian man randomly attacked five people. Dutch prosecutors have stated⁤ they believe ​the Ukrainian man acted with ⁣terrorist intent.