Prisoner Escapes from Bruges Hospital, Police Launch Massive Manhunt
A prisoner from the Bruges penitentiary escaped from AZ Sint-Jan hospital on Friday morning while receiving medical treatment, triggering a large-scale police operation involving a helicopter, sniffer dogs, and multiple patrol units. The fugitive, a Russian national in his 30s who was detained for robbery with violence, remains at large as of the latest reports.
The Escape
The prisoner was being treated in the day hospital on the 10th floor when he managed to flee during a clothing change. According to police, he threatened guards with a sharp object before making his escape. He ran toward the patient parking tower and exited the hospital grounds.
“We received the report that a prisoner had escaped during a visit to the hospital,” said Lien Depoorter, spokesperson for Bruges Police, as reported by VRT NWS. “We immediately sent several patrols, and also the special assistance team. But very quickly it became clear that the man was outside the building.”
Witness Accounts
Bernadette, a patient’s mother who was waiting in the hospital, described the dramatic moment she came face-to-face with the escaping prisoner. “I was sitting in the waiting room when he suddenly came running out with the handcuffs still attached to his ankle,” she told VRT NWS. “The look in his eyes was unbelievable. He looked like a real villain.”
Her son, Roel Vandenbroucke, was at the hospital for a minor procedure and witnessed the escape unfold. “The prisoner was here in the hospital to check in with 4 officers around him,” he recounted. “He came in my direction and then he changed his mind and quickly ran down the stairwell. An officer immediately went after him.”
Police Response
Authorities responded swiftly, deploying local patrols, a special intervention team, a federal police helicopter, and sniffer dogs to track the fugitive. “The prisoner had a sharp object with him and is still on the run,” Depoorter said. “We are searching for him with man and might and are deploying a federal police helicopter and a sniffer dog.”
Despite the rapid response, the prisoner had already exited the building by the time officers arrived, suggesting the escape was swift and well-executed.
Hospital Lockdown and Aftermath
AZ Sint-Jan hospital was temporarily locked down following the escape but has since resumed operations, albeit with delays to consultations and appointments due to ongoing security measures. The facility remains under heightened police surveillance.
Security Questions
The escape raises significant questions about security protocols for prisoners receiving medical treatment outside prison facilities. The fact that the prisoner was able to obtain and threaten guards with a sharp object during a clothing change suggests potential gaps in search procedures or supervision during medical visits.
Belgium’s prison system has faced ongoing challenges, including overcrowding and understaffing. In April 2026, unions filed a strike notice over issues including overcrowding, floor sleeping, high workload, and increasing aggression. The Bruges penitentiary itself experienced a previous escape in May 2025, when a prisoner fled while cleaning near the prison entrance.
The Search Continues
As of the latest reports, the fugitive — described as armed with a sharp object — remains on the run. Police have advised the public to remain vigilant. Given the prisoner’s Russian nationality, questions remain about whether international cooperation may be needed if he attempts to cross borders.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the prisoner’s full identity or whether an internal investigation into the security lapse has been launched. The search operation continues across the Bruges area.