Over 100 firefighters and police officers formed a guard of honour at the Basilica of Koekelberg on Monday morning as the coffin of Brussels fire sergeant-major Olivier Francotte, who died on 14 August while on duty, arrived for his funeral.
The funeral procession left the main Brussels Fire Brigade station on Avenue de l’Héliport at about 09:15. Francotte’s coffin was carried on a fire engine.
About 10 vehicles took part in the procession, followed by family members and firefighters. The convoy travelled through Brussels, including along Boulevard Léopold II, before reaching the basilica.
Firefighters formed a guard of honour at the state funeral for Olivier Francotte, at Koekelberg basilica, Monday 24 August 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
In silence, firefighters and police officers waited on the forecourt for the cortege to arrive before forming the guard of honour. The ceremony began in the late morning and is due to end at around 13:00.
Officials also attended the state funeral, including a representative of the Royal Palace. The burial will then take place in strict privacy.
Inside the state funeral for Olivier Francotte. Credit: Brussels Fire Brigade
Francotte, 50, was a member of the 21st company. He was killed after two explosions at the European building of the Single Resolution Board in Treurenberg.
Firefighters and Sibelga staff had been responding to a gas leak after a contractor accidentally damaged a low-pressure pipe. Another firefighter and two Sibelga employees were seriously injured in the incident.
Firefighters formed a guard of honour at the state funeral for Olivier Francotte, at Koekelberg basilica, Monday 24 August 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
