DESSEL, BELGIUM – The local police in the Balen-Dessel-Mol zone have opened an investigation into a possible case of arson after a car caught fire during the night between Friday and Saturday in a residential area of Dessel.
The fire, which also briefly spread to the façade of a nearby house, prompted a swift emergency response but fortunately resulted in no injuries or significant structural damage.
The incident occurred in a quiet neighborhood where a young family, including a child, was asleep at the time. Residents were startled awake by a loud bang that preceded the fire, raising concerns about the safety of hybrid vehicles and possible malicious intent.
Authorities confirmed that the burning vehicle was a hybrid model, which required the fire brigade to handle the situation with added caution due to the presence of a high-voltage battery. The technical complexity of extinguishing such fires, combined with the extent of the damage, has hindered initial forensic analysis.
Speaking on the case, Police Commissioner Robert Lehaen said, “We do not assume the car spontaneously caught fire,” suggesting that the possibility of arson is being taken seriously. “At this stage, we are looking at all potential scenarios — whether this was a targeted act with a motive or simply a random, senseless incident.”
According to initial reports, the fire started around midnight. Flames quickly engulfed the parked car and licked the front of the house, charring part of the exterior wall.
Fortunately, the fire was brought under control before it could cause more serious harm or injuries. The family inside was unharmed but reportedly shaken by the close call.
The house’s proximity to the burning vehicle made the situation potentially life-threatening. “It’s a miracle that no one was hurt,” a neighbor told local reporters. “We were all awakened by the bang and saw flames lighting up the street. It was terrifying, especially knowing there was a child in the house.”
Firefighters from the local department arrived promptly and managed to contain the blaze within minutes. However, the hybrid nature of the car meant additional precautions were necessary to ensure the fire did not reignite due to residual battery heat.
The police are appealing to the public for any information or surveillance footage that may shed light on suspicious activity in the area before or during the fire. Investigators are also exploring whether similar incidents have occurred nearby in recent weeks.
At this time, authorities have not released the identity of the car owner or the family affected but emphasized that victim support services have been made available to them.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. While the motive, if any, remains unknown, Commissioner Lehaen emphasized that all leads are being pursued to determine whether this was a deliberate act or a tragic accident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Balen-Dessel-Mol police zone.
