An explosion in the Saint-Gilles neighborhood of Brussels damaged a school and nearby buildings early Saturday morning, with no injuries reported but significant property damage, according to local officials and emergency responders.
The blast occurred around 00:20 near the OKLM Chicha Lounge Bar on Rue Théodore Verhaegen, close to the Saint-Gilles barrier, shattering windows at the Institut des Filles de Marie school directly across the street. Firefighters confirmed there was no fire upon arrival, but noted extensive glass damage across the scene, with approximately fifteen windows broken at the school alone.
Saint-Gilles mayor Jean Spinette arrived at the scene Saturday morning and condemned the incident as “hallucinating,” emphasizing that the school had been struck again in what he described as part of an ongoing territorial conflict between criminal organizations. He reiterated his long-standing concern about violence in the area, stating that recent days have seen a pattern of gunfire and explosions he labeled a “gangrene” for the community.
The mayor rejected calls for military deployment, insisting instead that Brussels needs more investigators and regular police patrols to ensure nighttime safety for residents. This position echoes his October appeal for immediate police reinforcements following earlier gunfire near a local school, which he had formally requested through an open letter.
According to the mayor, Saint-Gilles is confronting what he termed “grand banditism,” driven by rival criminal groups competing for control of territory and drug sales points. Police confirmed they are investigating the explosion as part of a broader pattern, noting it follows a similar incident on Rue de Bosnie earlier in the week that damaged approximately ten vehicles, and gunfire reported on Rue Gisbert Combay between Thursday and Friday that left no victims but left bullet casings and impacts on apartment windows.
A school representative confirmed interior damage beyond broken windows, including destroyed marble surfaces, and expressed uncertainty about whether the institution could reopen for classes on Monday, stating that officials must first wait for police to complete their assessment before determining next steps.
The incidents have heightened concerns among residents about escalating violence in the neighborhood, with local officials describing a deteriorating security situation that requires sustained law enforcement attention rather than temporary military intervention.
Was anyone injured in the explosion?
No injuries were reported from the explosion, according to both firefighters and police officials who responded to the scene.
What specific damage did the school sustain?
The Institut des Filles de Marie school had approximately fifteen windows shattered by the blast, with additional interior damage including destroyed marble surfaces, as confirmed by a school representative.
What has the mayor requested in response to the violence?
Mayor Jean Spinette has repeatedly called for more investigators and regular police patrols to improve nighttime safety, rejecting proposals for military deployment in favor of sustained law enforcement presence.
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