Two people killed in attack at residential care centre
A resident at a care home in West Flanders killed two fellow residents on Thursday night. A third person was attacked and is in hospital in a critical condition, the public prosecutor has confirmed.
The incident took place at the Mariaburcht centre in Dentergem, a facility with 88 residential units and 10 short-stay rooms. The public prosecutor has not disclosed the nature of the attack.
Staff are extremely shocked by the incident, mayor Koenraad Degroote said, adding that victim support services had visited but people were coping well and being taken care of.
“The forensic lab is here and we are awaiting the arrival of the investigating judge,” he said. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
In a letter to families of residents, Heidi Van Doorne of Curando, the organisation that operates the centre, said those affected had been informed and she was unable to share more information while the investigation was under way.
“We understand that this is heavy news and ask everyone to remain calm and respect those involved,” she said.
#FlandersNewsService | Police investigators at the Mariaburcht care home in Dentergem, West Flanders, 28 February 2025 © BELGA PHOTO KURT DESPLENTER
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