A shocking shooting incident in Sint-Niklaas has left four men critically injured in the early hours near the Grote Heimelinckstraat and Entrepotstraat intersection. The police received the distress call around 2:10 AM on 2025-07-18 15:38:00, quickly dispatching emergency services to the scene close to the local goods station.
- Police responded to shooting near Sint-Niklaas station.
- Four victims, three critically wounded, hospitalized.
- Five suspects arrested in Antwerp overnight.
- ANPR cameras helped locate suspect vehicle.
- Investigation ongoing; neighborhood closed for evidence.
- Mayor reports heavy police involvement on scene.
Among the victims, three men of Albanian descent sustained serious gunshot wounds and remain in critical condition in hospital. A fourth man suffered a minor head injury. Authorities suspect the shooting was a targeted act of retribution, highlighting ongoing concerns about violent crime in the region.
What does this incident mean for local safety, and how are authorities responding? The following fast answer provides key details on the situation and its impact on Sint-Niklaas residents.
How did the police manage to act so swiftly, and what does this reveal about crime control in Belgium? The rapid arrest of five suspects, aged 27 to 35, following ANPR camera tracking, shows effective law enforcement coordination. However, the incident raises questions about local gang activity and community safety.
- Five suspects were detained overnight in Antwerp, indicating cross-city criminal links.
- Victims range in age from 29 to 36, all receiving intensive care in local hospitals.
- Police and prosecutors remain tight-lipped on suspects’ backgrounds pending ongoing investigations.
- Neighbourhood cordons and forensic work continue, reflecting the gravity of the case.
As investigations proceed, Sint-Niklaas residents await answers and reassurance. Will enhanced police measures restore confidence? Staying informed and vigilant remains crucial as local law enforcement works to bring justice and prevent future tragedies.
