Explosion in Edegem: 75 evacuated, prosecutor confirms malicious intent

At 1.35 am on Tuesday morning, a loud explosion occurred in the Belgian municipality of Edegem, Antwerp province. 75 people were temporarily evacuated as a precaution, mayor Koen Metsu (N-VA, Flemish nationalists) announced on Twitter. The Antwerp public prosecutor's office later confirmed that the explosion happened due to malicious intent. 

The explosion took place near Hazelbos in Edegem. There are no victims and there is no longer any danger, the mayor reported on Tuesday morning. 

Later that same morning, the Antwerp prosecutor's office confirmed that the explosion happened due to malicious intent. A car was completely destroyed in the explosion. An apartment building nearby sustained no damage, but its 75 occupants were evacuated as a precautionary measure and accommodated in a hotel. There were no injuries.

Whether the incident may be linked to the drug milieu, as is often the case in similar incidents near Antwerp, is not yet clear. An investigating judge has been requisitioned.

© BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM