Belgian Authorities Respond to Brussels Minibus Incident
Belgian authorities detained a suspect in Antwerp on Friday connected to a minibus incident that damaged a terrace in central Brussels. Local media identified the driver as the person sought in relation to the attack, with six people receiving minor injuries and subsequently leaving the scene. The early afternoon event drew immediate attention from security services and the public alike.
The incident occurred around 13:00 local time, which is 11:00 GMT, and prompted the Threat Analysis Coordination Unit to raise its alert level from 2 to 3. Public safety officials later indicated that the alert would be stepped back to level 2 once conditions allowed, with authorities stressing that surrounding areas remained calm as investigations progressed. Security measures at several sensitive locations across the Belgian capital were evaluated in the wake of the event, though no sustained lockdown was reported.
On Saint-Michel Street, a major thoroughfare that intersects with Adolphe Max Avenue near Neuve Street, the vehicle was observed to have been stopped near a business terrace before the moment of impact. Local authorities described the van as having come to a halt in a position close to the terrace, with the driverless aspect of the vehicle noted by investigators as part of the early assessment. This detail raised questions about how the vehicle came to rest so near busy commercial activity and what it might reveal about the sequence of events.
According to Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, speaking to Le Soir, the minibus entered Saint-Michel Street, executed a turn back along the same street, and then moved toward a terrace occupied by pedestrians and patrons. He added that fortunately, those on the terrace were able to escape the van in time, preventing a higher number of injuries. The mayor also indicated that a portion of the affected individuals experienced shock rather than physical harm, underscoring the sudden and unsettling nature of the episode.
no evacuation
The mayor stated that there were no injuries demanding evacuation. A small cadre of people remained unsettled, and several witnesses reported being shaken by the rapid sequence of events. Among those questioned at the scene were visitors, municipal workers, and residents who frequently navigate the capital. Investigators collected initial statements to establish a timeline and determine whether the incident had been intentional or accidental in its execution.
The authorities have not yet drawn a conclusion about the motive or the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. However, officials noted that the vehicle traveled at a high speed at the moment of impact and pointed toward the terrace as a key element of the incident. Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that a formal briefing would be provided later in the day to outline any new findings and ongoing inquiries.
As the investigation continues, investigators will review security footage, interview witnesses, and assess whether the incident aligns with other recent events under review by Belgian authorities. The focus remains on confirming the trajectory of the minibus, verifying the identity of the driver, and understanding the sequence of actions that led to the collision with the terrace. Officials emphasized that the safety of bystanders and rapid response by emergency services were the immediate priorities in the aftermath of the event.
Updates from the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office and other law enforcement bodies are expected as more details come to light. The public is urged to follow official channels for information as inquiries advance and the full scope of the case unfolds. The incident has prompted ongoing examinations of traffic patterns and security protocols in central Brussels, particularly around major commercial corridors that attract large crowds during the day and into the evening hours.
Citations: Reuters reported the arrest in Antwerp and provided context on the timing and official responses; Le Soir delivered perspectives from the mayor on the sequence of events and the immediate aftermath; local authorities and prosecutors are coordinating ongoing updates to the public as the investigation moves forward.