A large explosion has caused serious damage to a restaurant in Utrecht.
The blast happened at Topkapi Barbecue Restaurant on Amsterdamsestraatweg at about 1 a.m. on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The force of the explosion shattered several windows and damaged a large section of the restaurant’s front.
Windows in apartments above the business also cracked.
Emergency services temporarily evacuated nearby residents as a safety measure.
No injuries were reported.
Firefighters initially responded to concerns about a possible gas leak. Authorities later established that there was no gas leak at the property.
Police closed the area and began examining the scene for evidence.
Investigators have not confirmed what caused the explosion. Police have also not ruled out the possibility that someone deliberately targeted the restaurant.
No arrests have been announced.
Topkapi was also targeted with an explosive in 2023.
A court later sentenced a 19-year-old Utrecht resident to three years in prison over that incident. The court found that the explosion was connected to an attempt to extort €10,000 from the restaurant’s owner.
Police are examining available camera recordings and asking witnesses to provide information about the latest explosion.
A maintenance and renovation company began working at the damaged restaurant on Monday morning.
