A 44-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday evening in connection with several small fires at AZ Ostend hospital, confirmed the West Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office, Bruges division.
Emergency services were called between 18:00 and 19:00 hours to a small fire at AZ Ostend, Damiaan campus. Police grew suspicious as a similar fire occurred at the same hospital on Monday. That incident initially seemed accidental, but circumstances are still under investigation.
Upon arrival, it was discovered that there were three separate fire sources. The suspect allegedly set a bin and towels ablaze. “Damage was minimal and no injuries were reported,” said Simon Fiers of the Ostend local police. As a result, the police decided to monitor the hospital’s entrances and exits.
A 44-year-old suspect was eventually apprehended near one of the fire sites. The prosecution office identified her as a hospital employee. At her arrest, she possessed a lighter. Further investigation will determine the details, and the prosecutor’s office will decide on her possible appearance before an investigating judge following her interrogation.
