Fire and Fear on Dam Square: Arrest Made After Car Explosion

Dutch police arrested a 50-year-old Dutchman after a car explosion on Dam Square, Amsterdam. The fire, suspected to be intentional, caused no injuries beyond the driver. The incident follows a recent stabbing in the area. Authorities continue to investigate with caution.

On Thursday, a dramatic incident unfolded on Amsterdam's central Dam Square when a car explosion resulted in the arrest of the vehicle's driver. The 50-year-old Dutchman is believed to have deliberately caused the fire, police reported, adding urgency to an already tense situation.

The explosion happened amidst a congregated crowd, captured by camera footage that verified the cause of the blaze. Social media images depicted the driver engulfed in flames, standing beside a burning red car, until police intervened and extinguished the fire on the man before detaining him.

The square was promptly sealed off by law enforcement as explosives specialists were deployed to examine the vehicle. This incident occurred just a week after a nearby stabbing, where a 30-year-old Ukrainian suspect was linked to terrorism. Authorities are treating these incidents with heightened vigilance.

(With inputs from agencies.)