WILLEMSTAD - Last night, a fire heavily damaged the first floor of the customs building on Handelskade in Punda. The fire, which broke out around 5:45 PM, caused significant damage to the interior and stored goods.
Police and firefighters were quickly alerted when thick smoke billowed from the building. Police officers immediately closed off the area awaiting the arrival of the firefighters, who were dispatched from Steenrijk. Upon arrival, the firefighters immediately entered the building to combat the fire. Although the fire was successfully extinguished, much was lost due to the fire and smoke.
According to the customs spokesperson, Lutsel Lourens, there was staff working on the first floor when the fire broke out. "The fire originated on the first floor of the building. Staff in nearby offices discovered the fire and immediately alerted emergency services," said Lourens. The cause of the fire is still unknown, and the police forensic team is further investigating the matter.
Due to smoke damage, the entire building is closed today. The customs staff from Punda have been temporarily relocated to other departments so they can continue their work. Lourens emphasized that the closure of the customs office in Punda will not hinder today's trade activities.