An explosive device was set off at the front door of a house in Vucht, in Maasmechelen (Limburg Province) at around 04:00 on Wednesday.
While there were no reported injuries, the perpetrators remain unknown. Local police from Lanaken-Maasmechelen attended the scene on Heirstraat to carry out initial investigations.
The Limburg Public Prosecutor’s Office was informed and has ordered the forensic laboratory to conduct an investigation. "All possible leads are being investigated, including a potential drug-related retaliation," said Limburg Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Anna Degraen.
Police secured a small area around the targeted house with tape. When the forensic lab, fire expert, and military bomb disposal unit (DOVO) arrived, the security perimeter was expanded, and Heirstraat was temporarily closed in both directions.
The site of the explosion in Maasmechelen. Credit: Belga/Pino Misuraca.
The house is divided into two apartments. No one was present at the time of the explosion. A woman with a child, who live on the first floor, were reportedly on holiday. A previous resident, an elderly woman from the ground floor, is now in a care home.
Local police conducted neighbourhood interviews and collected statements from residents. At least three cars were damaged.
Two windows of a home opposite the targeted house were also shattered. The resident of the house stated that her three children were very shaken up by the incident.
Firefighters arrived to clean up the broken glass and board up the windows with wooden panels.
The police, in collaboration with the Limburg Public Prosecutor’s Office, have issued a witness appeal. Residents with information or who noticed anything suspicious are asked to contact the police at 089474747.
