An impressive sight greeted Bruges residents this morning as the heavy tower cross of the Heilig Hartkerk in Vlamingstraat was carefully removed. The torenkruis, weighing around 200 kilos, was taken down using a crane due to urgent safety concerns. On 2025-07-05 16:22:00, the street had already been closed after debris fell from the church tower, raising alarms among locals.
- Torenkruis van 200 kilo verwijderd vandaag
- Kraan gebruikte om kruis van kerktoren te halen
- Straat afgesloten door vallende brokstukken donderdag
- Twee van vier ankers volledig doorgeroest
- Werfleider Tom Verplancke leidde verwijdering
- Veiligheidsmaatregel voorkwam mogelijk gevaarlijke situaties
Worksite leader Tom Verplancke explained that two of the four anchor points securing the cross were completely corroded, making the removal necessary to prevent further damage or accidents. This careful operation highlights the importance of maintaining historic structures in Bruges and ensuring public safety. But what does this mean for other heritage sites in Belgium? And how often are such checks conducted?
Could this incident prompt a wider inspection of church towers across Belgium? It raises key points about heritage preservation and public safety:
- Regular structural assessments are crucial for historic buildings.
- Corrosion of anchors can pose serious risks to pedestrians and nearby traffic.
- Timely interventions help avoid street closures and accidents.
Looking ahead, local authorities and heritage organizations might increase monitoring efforts to prevent similar risks. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about restoration projects and support preservation initiatives to keep Bruges’ landmarks safe and accessible.
