Amsterdam police said a car erupted in flames on Thursday afternoon in the city’s busy Dam Square after an explosion within the vehicle. Police suspect that the driver intentionally ignited the fire.
Police said an explosion, verified by surveillance footage, ignited the fire amid a sea of onlookers. Luckily, none of the onlookers were injured.
Clips on social media reveal a male standing by a small red vehicle on fire with clothes burning on him. Police were recorded quickly smothering the flames on the wounded man before apprehending him.
After the blast, police cordoned off large areas of the square while bomb experts inspected the vehicle for possible danger. Officials have yet to reveal more information regarding the identity of the suspect and motive.
The blast follows last week’s stabbing attack outside Dam Square, during which five were injured. The suspect from that attack, a 30-year-old Ukrainian who hailed from Donetsk, was arrested and prosecutors said he had been acting with terrorist intent.
With investigations into the car blast on Thursday under way, authorities in Amsterdam have called on people to be vigilant while reassuring them that security is being stepped up in the region.