ANTWERP — A car was deliberately set on fire in Antwerp-North during the night from Saturday to Sunday, resulting in damage to two additional vehicles and a nearby tree.
The incident occurred around 4:50 a.m. on Pothoekstraat. Authorities reported that the first vehicle was completely destroyed by the fire, while two adjacent cars suffered partial damage but did not catch fire entirely.
Police officials believe the blaze was intentionally set, marking it as a deliberate act rather than an accidental fire. “The context and circumstances of the incident are under investigation,” said Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp police zone.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene. Firefighters worked to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage to the surrounding area. The quick response helped contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties or causing injuries.
The judicial laboratory was dispatched to the location to conduct forensic investigations. Experts are examining the site for clues that could reveal how the fire started and identify the individual or individuals responsible.
Authorities are also reviewing any available camera footage from nearby surveillance systems to gather evidence. This may help in identifying suspects or establishing a timeline of events leading up to the fire.
Bruyns emphasized that, based on initial investigations, the incident is not being treated as drug-related violence. “At this stage, there are no indications linking this fire to criminal networks or narcotics activity,” he said.
Residents in the area expressed concern over the event. Local eyewitnesses reported seeing the fire early in the morning and called emergency services immediately. “It was alarming to see the car engulfed in flames. Thankfully, no one was injured,” one neighbor said.
The fire caused notable disruption in the area, temporarily restricting access on Pothoekstraat while emergency crews managed the scene. Cleanup and assessment of the damaged vehicles and property are ongoing.
While the full extent of the damages is still being assessed, authorities confirmed that insurance claims and vehicle replacement procedures will follow standard protocols once the investigation concludes.
The Antwerp police urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with relevant footage are encouraged to share it to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Deliberate vehicle fires, while not uncommon in major cities, pose significant risks to public safety and property. Authorities continue to monitor areas with heightened incidents of arson and ensure preventive measures are in place.
Police stress that the community’s cooperation is crucial. Residents are advised to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and ensure their vehicles are parked safely, especially overnight.
The investigation remains active, with forensic results expected to provide further insight into the cause and perpetrator of the fire. Police have not released any suspects’ descriptions or potential motives at this time.
As the case unfolds, Antwerp residents await answers and hope for increased safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
