A helicopter incident in the province of Namur has caused widespread power outages in parts of Bonneville and Maizeret, as confirmed by local authorities this afternoon.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 14:15, involved an NH90 helicopter from the Belgian Defence Ministry severing a high-voltage power line while performing a precautionary landing in the commune of Andenne.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed the occurrence, providing further details that the four-person crew on board the helicopter was unhurt.
No injuries were reported among local residents either, though the power outages left many homes in the affected villages without electricity.
Andenne Mayor Vincent Sampaoli took to social media to inform residents about the situation, particularly noting the disruption in Bonneville.
Local utility company AIEG, responsible for the electricity network in Andenne, also confirmed that Maizeret was impacted by the power cut.
In a statement to the press, AIEG assured that technicians were already working to restore the network, with power expected to be fully restored between 17:00 and 18:00.
“We are making every effort to repair the damage caused by the incident and restore service to affected households as quickly as possible,” said an AIEG technician.
The Defence Ministry responded promptly to the situation, dispatching a team to secure the area surrounding the helicopter and conduct an investigation.
“The exact cause of the precautionary landing is still under analysis,” the Ministry stated, adding that an assessment of the potential damage to the helicopter and surrounding infrastructure was underway.
While the helicopter’s emergency landing was a precautionary measure, the incident has sparked concern over the safety implications, given the severe disruption to local services.
The Ministry assured the public that a thorough investigation would follow to determine the precise circumstances that led to the mishap. “All relevant factors will be reviewed to understand the full scope of the incident,” a spokesperson said.
The NH90 helicopter, typically used for transport and utility operations, was reportedly on a routine mission when the need to land emerged. The Ministry emphasized that the precautionary landing was conducted as part of standard safety protocols.
As power was restored to the affected villages later in the afternoon, local residents remained patient, although some expressed frustration over the inconvenience caused.
The investigation into the helicopter’s landing and its impact on the local infrastructure is expected to continue into the evening.
In the meantime, local authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring both public safety and the swift restoration of services disrupted by the incident.
The Defence Ministry also emphasized the importance of understanding the event fully before drawing any conclusions about the cause or the potential risks involved.
