A car exploded shortly after 6:40 p.m. on Saturday near the skate track and playground in Wilhelminapark on Urk and was completely destroyed by fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, after which the vehicle was removed. The car had no license plates. No one was injured, but residents said the explosion caused concern because people, including children, could have been in the park. Burn marks and small pieces of glass remained at the site two days later.

The explosion was being investigated by police, and the person or people responsible were not known. The incident was reported as probably deliberate; it was not established what caused the blast. Residents linked it to earlier arson and fireworks incidents near the De Akkers roundabout, known locally as the “relrotonde.” The mayor of Urk declined to comment, while residents called for either more activities for young people or a stronger police presence.