On Friday, a van crashed into two terraces in the centre of Brussels. The suspect has since been arrested in Antwerp. Here's what we know about the incident so far.
The incident itself
A driver of a white van crashed into two terraces on the Rue Saint-Michel, near the popular shopping district Rue Neuve in the city centre, just before 13:00 on Friday, startling locals and tourists of the snack bar and a well-known tavern Le Corbeau.
Six people were slightly injured but no one had to be taken to hospital, according to Walter Derieuw of the Brussels fire brigade. They were treated for their injuries on the spot.
Van found, followed by driver
After crashing into the terraces, the van drove on. An investigation was immediately launched to track the van and the driver down. Witnesses and victims at the location were questioned, while the CCTV footage from the road was analysed.
First responders at the scene of the incident. Credit: Brussels fire service
Shortly afterwards, a white van was found nearby in Rue du Méridien in the Saint-Josse-ten-Noode commune, just a few minutes away from the scene of the accident, where it was examined by the Dovo Demining Service.
Later on in the afternoon, the driver of the van was also found and arrested in Antwerp. Why he drove into the terraces with a van is not officially known yet known and is still being investigated, while the suspect has been questioned.
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One police source told The Brussels Times that the man had forgotten to take his medicine and experienced an anger attack or psychosis. He reportedly also cited frustrations with the new circulation plan that has been in place in Brussels since last week.
The city's public prosecutor said during a press conference that all avenues were still being explored to understand the motives behind the incident.
"The facts of the case are obviously reminiscent of attacks, as they have happened abroad, but that is not the only scenario," said public prosecutor Willemien Baert. She added that the incident could concern a simple car accident, and other motives are also being considered.
According to reports from Het Laatste Nieuws, the driver will appear before the examining magistrate this weekend. The Brussels public prosecutor's office is asking for his arrest for attempted homicide.
