University files complaint after ‘urban explorers’ break into forensic institute
The University of Liège has filed a police complaint following the intrusion by two Dutch “urban explorers” into the former forensic institute to make a video for social media.
In a video posted on YouTube, the men filmed themselves walking around the premises, which are still partially used for autopsies. They can be seen touching objects and opening a refrigerator containing a human skeleton.
“It appears that they used a crowbar or a large screwdriver to force the doors open,” forensic pathologist Philippe Boxho told Belga. “Everything was locked.”
The incident is believed to have taken place on 22 July in an area of the building that is not often used.
“There is no alarm system, and no one would have ever thought that people would enter the cellars of the municipal morgue in Liège without authorisation,” said Boxho.
“There are no special security measures except in certain rooms where they are necessary.” A patrol is carried out every night, but nothing unusual appears to have been noticed by the security guard.
"No one would have ever thought that people would enter the cellars of the municipal morgue without authorisation"
Although autopsies are now carried out at the University Hospital of Liège, the site remains active. It still houses forensic equipment and a skeleton found by the intruders in the video, which is now being identified. “We are waiting for it to be identified so that it can be buried with dignity,” Boxho said.
Mark Rolaff broadcast the video on his YouTube channel in which he explores abandoned buildings.
Philippe Boxho, forensic pathologist, professor of forensic medicine and director of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at the University of Liège © PHOTO PQR / LE PARISIEN / OLIVIER ARANDEL
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