Fire at Groningen Central Station, Smoke Will Last Until Noon
Normal train activity halted, NL alert recommends people to stay indoors as long as possible to avoid inhaling dangerous smoke.
A fire broke out around 8:30 this morning in a new building behind Groningen Central Station, causing significant smoke and disruptions. The building, still under construction, is intended to be a new bus station and accommodation for bus drivers. The fire is particularly difficult to manage due to its location under the roof and the burning of insulation material, leading to heavy smoke.
The fire department has reported that the smoke nuisance will persist until at least noon. Residents and those in the area have been advised to stay out of the smoke, close windows and doors, and turn off ventilation systems. An NL Alert has been issued to reinforce these safety measures. The fire brigade is working with a full team to control the blaze, which is challenging due to its hard-to-reach location.
Impact on Train Services
The fire has severely disrupted train services. Trains between Groningen and Groningen Europapark stations are temporarily halted. However, trains to Delfzijl, Roodeschool, and Leeuwarden are still running as the smoke is not affecting those platforms. Arriva and NS have deployed buses to transport passengers between affected stations. Passengers travelling from East Groningen and Assen are being redirected to alternative routes.
Community Response and Current Status
The Groningen Spoorzone has taken webcams offline to prevent the spread of smoke visuals. The fire started early in the morning and has led to extensive damage. Emergency services have asked the public to avoid the area and follow safety guidelines. As of now, the fire department continues its efforts to extinguish the fire, and it remains unclear how long the train service disruptions will last.
