Several people have been injured following a fireball explosion at the Maredsous Christmas market in Belgium, with three airlifted to hospital with severe burns and emergency services rushing to the scene
Multiple individuals have sustained injuries after a devastating fireball erupted at a festive market in Belgium. Emergency personnel raced to the Maredsous Christmas market in Denée, a small village within Anhée municipality, where the site was swiftly cleared following a blaze that engulfed two stalls.
Firefighting teams battled the flames while an air ambulance transported three victims suffering serious burns to medical facilities. A further two individuals received treatment for less critical wounds.
While the precise trigger for the inferno at the seasonal market remains unconfirmed, Dinaphi firefighters believe the incident was accidental, potentially sparked by an exploding gas cylinder.
Speaking about the incident, Colonel Marc Gilbert from the Val de Sambre emergency zone explained: “Two chalets caught fire, but the Val de Sambre firefighters brought the blaze under control. The PIM (Medical Intervention Plan) has not been activated.”
“The emergency medical team doctor is on site. There are three people with significant burns, and a helicopter will be arriving to transport them to specialised burn units.” Namur’s public prosecutor’s office has been alerted, with investigators now working to establish what sparked the fire.
Anhée’s mayor, Pierre Rondiat, provided an update on the casualties: “Five injured people have been identified. Two are in critical condition, one was airlifted to a hospital in Liège and the second, it is yet to be confirmed, to the military hospital in Neder-Over-Heembeek. A third person also suffered burns, while the other two sustained minor injuries.
“Emergency services responded swiftly to tackle the fire. “Firefighters were able to contain the blaze quickly. Two chalets were completely destroyed by the flames, and two neighbouring chalets were also damaged. The situation is now totally under control.
“Authorities took immediate action following the incident. “The market has been evacuated and is now closed. In consultation with the organizer and out of respect for the victims, the Christmas market will remain closed this Sunday.”
The festive Maredsous Christmas market had only just launched on Friday and takes place annually at Maredsous Abbey, a Benedictine monastery situated in Belgium’s Namur province. The monks at Maredsous have gained recognition for their distinctive abbey cheese and beer, which they started producing following the Second World War.
According to the Abbey’s official website: “During the Advent season, the Abbey hosts a Christmas market over five weekends. The market features more than 60 chalets offering a variety of goods and numerous activities for visitors.
“What sets this market apart is its commitment to quality and authenticity. The organisers prioritise artisanal craftsmanship, carefully selecting vendors who offer authentic, locally-made products.”