In a makeshift memorial that now clings to the spot where their son was killed by a police car on Monday evening, a family gathers in tears to mourn his death.
Fabian, a 12-year-old Moldovan child, was hit by a police vehicle on Monday at around 5.30 pm. The collision happened due to a police chase that began in Koekelberg (a street away from where the accident occurred)
Initial findings from the investigation and the prosecutor's on-site inspection indicate that the young boy was riding an electric scooter when the police vehicle attempted to carry out a check. The boy fled, prompting a pursuit.
An automotive expert has been appointed to determine the exact circumstances of the accident, and a forensic doctor will establish the precise cause of death.
The public prosecutor and the minister of interior, Bernard Quintin (MR), were at the scene for an extended period at around 10 p.m. to ensure a fully independent and impartial investigation. The case has been assigned to Committee P.
Committee P meanwhile has refused to comment on the situation due to the ongoing investigation, but hearings of those involved are currently underway. The prosecutor's office has also called upon the victim support service, and the public prosecutor will personally meet with the boy's family and the justice house.
The reason why the police initiated a pursuit against the child remains unclear, but sources confirmed to RTBF that the chase was indeed targeting the 12-year-old boy. According to other sources, a second person was initially riding on the back of the scooter, which is prohibited. The legal age to ride an e-scooter (16) is also cited as a justification for the pursuit, as is the fact that the rider was on the pavement.
A woman who has lived in the neighbourhood for 25 years described the scene with quiet resignation. "When I came back home yesterday evening, we couldn’t pass. Police tape ran from Avenue de la Constitution down to the parallel street. Three officers stood guard. Then around 11 pm, they started removing the tape."
Makeshift memorial made by the family. Credit : Anas El Baye
The park closure puzzled her. "If it happened on the road, why shut the park? That’s where children play. It’s a playground. Swings. Families. Why was a police car in the park?"
Another neighbour added: "There are always kids on scooters here when the weather is nice. But you don’t chase them down in a park with a car. That’s not how you police children – that’s how you terrify them."
Despite the investigation being handed over to Committee P., locals are still sceptical of both the process and its independence."Yes, there’s an investigation. But a boy is dead," another young woman added. "We understand there’s an inquiry, and yes, accidents can happen,"she sighed. "But when it involves a 12-year-old, it’s not 'just' an accident. It’s a tragedy that should never have happened."
As shock turns to reflection, some locals are turning their eyes toward broader questions of urban safety. "We used to forbid scooters in the park – maybe we should again," the long-time resident added. "Back then, scooters and bikes weren’t allowed inside the park. They had to take the outside paths," another resident explained. "Now? They fly through here. Electric bikes and scooters are doing 50 km/h. Even motorbikes go through sometimes," she recounted a recent near-miss: "I was walking my dog. A woman flew past us at full speed with two small children behind her. If the dog had moved a centimetre, there would’ve been an accident. People don’t slow down anymore – not even for animals, let alone children."
Police tapes around a nearby tree. Credit : Anas El Baye
Police markings around the accident. Credit : Anas El Baye
She raised the issue of regulations and licensing."These heavy scooters should be limited, like cars. If you’re going 50, there should be a number plate. We’ve accepted chaos, and now a child is dead."
Not everyone pointed fingers at the police – at least, not yet. Another local urged caution while waiting for the investigation’s results. "It’s sad, devastating. But the boy wasn’t entirely innocent either. If the police told him to stop and he didn’t, there’s a responsibility there, too. We’re not in a country where the police arrest you just for your face. If they ask you to stop, you stop."
Still, he added, "It should never take a child’s death to make the city react."
Makeshift memorial by Fabian's family. Credit : Anas El Baye
After the sirens, a harder question remains
A 12-year-old child is gone. A family is shattered. A neighbourhood, usually calm, now carries a weight it never expected. What will happen next – in policy, justice, and memory – remains unknown. But as candles burn out at the edge of the Avenue des Gloires de la Nation street, the question still burns brighter:
Who takes responsibility when the ones meant to protect are involved in such accidents?
