A seismometer near Valkenburg in South Limburg detected a signal on Sunday morning at 05:31, the Dutch meteorological institute KNMI reported.
The institute stated that other seismological stations around Valkenburg also recorded tremors, but the one in Valkenburg was the most distinct. These signals might be connected to the collapse of the Wilhelmina Tower in the South Limburg town, according to the KNMI.
The local government has advised people to avoid the area around the collapsed tower, located approximately 15 kilometres from the Belgian border.
A message on the municipality’s website reports that the tower collapsed around 05:30. The first reports of the collapse were received by the South Limburg Safety Region around 06:45, according to a spokesperson. “People called the emergency control room to say the tower was no longer standing.”
“There is a lot of curiosity about how this could have happened,” the website states. “We don’t have an answer yet. Experts who might provide an explanation are already working to determine the cause.”
Mayor Daan Prevoo described the tower’s collapse as a blow to all residents of Valkenburg. “Since 1906, this landmark has defined the horizon from all corners of Valkenburg and beyond. For us, it is as significant as the Eiffel Tower is for Paris.”
The Wilhelmina Tower, built in 1906, stood about 30 metres tall atop the Heunsberg, accessible by foot and cable car. A toboggan run is also located on the hill. The cable car and toboggan run were closed on Sunday “due to circumstances,” according to the website.
The viewing platform on the tower had been closed for maintenance, but the work had not yet started, a spokesperson noted. The terrace and café at the base were still open on Friday evening.
Mayor Prevoo mentioned that they are reviewing the permits applied for “possible renovation work.” He is uncertain if those permits were granted. The investigation will also examine the ground around the tower, which includes marl quarries and tunnel systems.
