A sudden roof collapse shook a residential corner in Harelbeke, raising concerns about building safety in older Belgian homes. The incident occurred shortly after 7 PM on 2025-05-07 10:04:00, at the intersection of Gentsestraat and Deerlijksestraat, startling the local residents.
- Dak van oud huis ingezakt in Harelbeke
- Brandweer onderzoekt oorzaak dakinstorting
- Fluvius beveiligt elektriciteitsleidingen ter plaatse
- Instortingsgevaar sluit steeg naast woning af
- Aannemer beslist over verdere huisrenovatie
- Gezin met kind brengt nacht elders door
The homeowners heard a loud noise and discovered part of their roof had caved in. While the exact cause remains unclear, the fire brigade noted the building’s age and that renovations were already planned for that section of the house.
With emergency services, including the mayor and Fluvius technicians, responding promptly, the situation highlights questions about infrastructure maintenance. What risks do aging homes pose, and how prepared are local authorities to handle such emergencies?
This event raises important points about the safety of older buildings in Belgium. How often are such structures inspected? Could preventive renovations reduce emergency incidents? Key considerations include:
- Age and condition of residential buildings
- Importance of timely renovations to prevent hazards
- Coordination between emergency services and utility providers
- Impact on families, especially those with young children
As the affected family stays elsewhere temporarily, local authorities must prioritize thorough inspections and clear communication to prevent similar incidents. How can communities better support residents in maintaining safe homes? Continued vigilance and proactive planning remain essential.