Explosive Found at Asylum Seeker Center Under Construction on Pastoorsmast Street

At 7:20 a.m. this morning, acts of vandalism and explosives were discovered at a building under construction belonging to the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) on Pastoorsmast in Nuenen. No one was injured. The area was cordoned off, and specialists from the police and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD) arrived on the scene. Their investigation confirmed that the items were indeed explosives: a fireworks mortar and a pipe bomb. The EOD ensured their safe and careful disposal. The police are conducting a further investigation into the circumstances of the incident.

Mayor Freek van Genugten of the municipality of Nuenen: “I was informed of this this morning. I am deeply shocked by this. It is, of course, unacceptable that this creates a dangerous situation for the people on site and nearby residents. These actions run completely counter to the welcoming community we strive to be for those who need our help. We are here to offer them safety and shelter; these forms of aggression and violence have no place in that. We want a safe and pleasant living environment for all our residents. I am staying closely informed by the emergency services.” 

District Attorney Marc Beurskens of the East Brabant Public Prosecutor’s Office: “I agree with the mayor’s remarks regarding the impact and nature of this type of serious crime. It goes without saying that the police and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are doing everything in their power to track down and prosecute the person or persons responsible.”

The police are investigating what happened here, who is responsible, and what led to it. We ask witnesses to contact us at: https://www.politie.nl/gezocht/getuigenoproep/2026/juni/09-explosieven---pastoorsmast---nuenen. Did you see anything between 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, and 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, June 18? For example, suspicious individuals or circumstances. Or do you have any footage? Please let us know via the link below or call 0900-8844. You can also report anonymously via Report Crime Anonymously: 0800-7000 orwww.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl.

Police, Public Prosecutor's Office, and the Municipality of Nuenen