Fire at The Market Hotel in Groningen Forces Evacuation, Manager Suspects Arson
Fire forces late-night evacuation at the Market Hotel as authorities investigate possible arson.
A fire broke out in the basement of The Market Hotel on Grote Markt in Groningen late Sunday night, filling the ground floor with smoke and forcing hotel guests to evacuate. While no injuries were reported, the fire department, police, and ambulance services were on the scene to ensure safety. Guests were kept outside for two hours before being allowed to return to their rooms at 1:30 a.m.
Fire Quickly Contained, But Damage Remains
Emergency services received the call around 11:30 p.m., and due to the central location of the hotel, multiple fire engines were dispatched. Firefighters acted swiftly to contain the flames, preventing further spread, but the heavy smoke caused significant disruption.
Hotel manager Niek Strous, who rushed to the scene, described the aftermath:
"It is a mess downstairs. Ceiling panels were knocked out to ensure the fire was completely extinguished. We are assessing the damage with specialists and hope to restore everything as soon as possible."
Suspicion of Arson
While the cause of the fire was initially unknown, Strous later revealed that camera footage suggests the fire was deliberately set. He stated in a radio interview:
"Based on the footage, we suspect arson. However, the police investigation is still ongoing, so I cannot share further details at this time."
Authorities have yet to confirm the suspicion, but a formal investigation is underway.
Hotel Guests Assisted During Evacuation
Despite the late-night disruption, guests were supported by staff and nearby businesses. Neighboring Hotel De Doelen offered evacuees tea and shelter, and The Market Hotel staff worked to keep guests informed throughout the ordeal.
Strous acknowledged the inconvenience but expressed relief that no one was harmed:
"We did our best to keep everyone updated. It’s an unfortunate situation, but we hope our guests were able to rest well in the end."
Next Steps
The hotel is now focused on repairs and recovering from the damage, while authorities continue their investigation into possible arson. More updates are expected in the coming days as officials examine the evidence and determine the next course of action.