Six prisoners escaped from the Saint-Hubert prison on the afternoon of 2025-05-15 01:10:00, sparking a major security alert in the Belgian region. The penitentiary officers noticed the escape attempt around 16:30, initially reporting seven fugitives before correcting the number to six.
- Zes gedetineerden ontsnappen rond 16.30 uur
- Groot alarm volgt met politie en helikopter
- Minister Verlinden bevestigt ontsnapping en arrestaties
- Drie gevangenen geblesseerd bij heropvangen
- Vijf voortvluchtigen inmiddels opgepakt door politie
- Tien gevangenen ontsnapten ook in 2023
The prison, known for its open regime but protected by high security walls, quickly saw local police reinforced by federal agents and a helicopter deployed to search the surrounding area. This incident raises pressing questions about prison security measures in Belgium.
With three detainees already recaptured and injured, and two more apprehended later in the evening, only one remains at large. What does this say about the effectiveness of current prison protocols, especially after a similar mass escape in 2023?
How did six prisoners manage to escape despite high walls and surveillance? This incident highlights ongoing challenges in Belgium’s prison security. Authorities must ask:
- Are open-regime prisons adequately secured against coordinated escapes?
- What improvements can be made to prevent future incidents?
- How effective is the current collaboration between local and federal police during such emergencies?
As the search continues for the last escapee, Belgian authorities need to reassess prison security policies and emergency response strategies to prevent further breaches. Citizens and policymakers alike will watch closely for the next steps.
