Watch: Car erupts in flames at Amsterdam's Dam Square, suicide attempt suspected

A man set himself and his car on fire at Amsterdam's Dam Square on Thursday in what police believe was a potential suicide attempt.

Local media footage shows a red car approaching the National Monument near the square's southeastern section.

The incident began with a small explosion, followed by flames emerging from the car. Amsterdam police confirmed on X: "CCTV footage shows that the fire on Dam Square started after an explosion in the car."

Op camerabeelden is te zien dat de brand op de Dam is ontstaan na een ontploffing in de auto. Op dat moment bevonden zich behoorlijk wat mensen vlakbij het voertuig. Voor zover bekend is niemand gewond geraakt.

— Politie Eenheid Amsterdam (@POL_Amsterdam) April 3, 2025

Police reported that despite numerous people being nearby, no bystanders were harmed. The scene showed people fleeing whilst police vehicles quickly surrounded the burning vehicle.

BREAKING 🔴🔴

A car exploded and caught fire in Amsterdam’s Dam Square this afternoon, with police suspecting the driver intentionally triggered the blast.

According to reports, driver is in custody. pic.twitter.com/oTeAduBT1u

— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 3, 2025

Officials confirmed that the driver intentionally set the car on fire and was injured in the process. He stumbled out of the burning vehicle with his clothes in flames, but police quickly stepped in to put out the fire.

The injured individual was later identified as a 50-year-old Dutch citizen from North Netherlands and was hospitalised under police custody. Authorities withheld his name.

🇳🇱 SUICIDE BOMBING ATTEMP:

“Camera footage shows that the fire on the Dam started after an explosion in the car. At that time, quite a few people were near the vehicle”

— Police at Amsterdam’s Dam Square

https://t.co/FiTfb2808S

— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) April 3, 2025

"Detectives are keeping all scenarios open, but have strong suspicions that the man wanted to take his own life. He is suspected of arson," stated the police.

We vermoeden dat de bestuurder de brand zelf veroorzaakt heeft. Daarbij wordt rekening gehouden met opzet. De bestuurder is hierbij gewond geraakt.

— Politie Eenheid Amsterdam (@POL_Amsterdam) April 3, 2025

An AFP correspondent observed police and explosives experts examining the damaged vehicle, with the central square remaining restricted.

A witness told AT5 television about hearing a "small pop, not even a real explosion" and seeing people flee. "Then suddenly there was a loud bang and lots of black smoke."

"After that I saw the man. Suddenly he was on fire. It was unreal," she recounted.