Three Accidents Across Belgium Leave Two Critical, Cows Rescued
A series of unrelated accidents across Belgium over the weekend has left two people in critical condition and required a complex five-hour rescue operation to save two cows. The incidents, which occurred in Schaerbeek, Geraardsbergen, and Meise between Friday and Saturday night, are all under separate investigation.
Pedestrian Critically Injured in Tram Collision in Schaerbeek
A pedestrian is fighting for their life after being struck by a tram at Liedtsplein in Schaerbeek, Brussels, on Saturday evening. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 23:22, according to VRT NWS.
A Mobile Medical Emergency (MUG) team and multiple ambulances were dispatched by the Brussels Fire Brigade. “The victim was subsequently taken to hospital in a critical condition,” confirmed Walter Derieuw, spokesperson for the Brussels Fire Brigade, as reported by HLN.
Two additional ambulances were sent for the tram driver and a witness, both of whom were treated for shock. Police zone Brussels-Noord has launched an investigation to determine the exact circumstances of the collision.
Glider Pilot in Critical Condition After Crash in Geraardsbergen
A 70-year-old male pilot from Geraardsbergen remains in life-threatening condition after his glider crashed into a tree near the Overboelare airfield on Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred shortly after 14:00 in the Kortelakestraat area, according to VRT NWS.
The glider struck a tree for reasons still unknown and crashed hard next to the Dender river, sustaining significant material damage. Nearby residents raised the alarm, and emergency services arrived in force.
“There was one person, the pilot, in the aircraft,” said Karolien De Turck of the local police. “This person was resuscitated at the scene and taken to OLV Hospital in Aalst.” The public prosecutor’s office has appointed an expert to determine the cause of the crash, while the federal police aviation unit has launched a technical investigation. Recovery of the wreckage from the Dender riverbank has not yet been scheduled, as priority is being given to mapping physical evidence at the crash site.
Firefighters Rescue Two Cows from Manure Pit in Five-Hour Operation
In a more positive outcome, firefighters in Meise successfully rescued two cows that had fallen into a manure pit on Friday. The animals fell through a collapsed grating at a farm in the Slozenstraat, according to VRT NWS.
The fire brigade zone Vlaams-Brabant West conducted an exceptionally complex operation that lasted five hours. Firefighters had to open part of the roof to access the animals before using a hoist to lift the heavy cows to safety.
“The intervention was very complicated and took no less than five hours,” said Wouter Jeanfils, spokesperson for the fire brigade. “The cows were stuck after a grating collapsed above the manure storage of the farm and had to be rescued using a hoist.” Jeanfils expressed relief at the outcome, stating: “We are especially happy that we could save the animals and that there were no casualties.”
Investigations Ongoing
Both the tram accident and the glider crash remain under active investigation. The tram collision could lead to safety reviews at the busy Liedtsplein transport hub, where multiple tram lines converge. The glider crash investigation, involving a court-appointed expert and federal aviation police, may have implications for safety protocols at Overboelare and other Belgian airfields. The cow rescue, meanwhile, stands as a testament to the specialized capabilities of Belgian fire services in agricultural rescue scenarios.
Authorities have not yet released further details on the conditions of the two critically injured victims. The Liedtsplein area in Schaerbeek, where the tram collision occurred, is a busy transport hub where multiple tram lines converge — a similar incident took place at the nearby Paul Brien stop in March 2026, when another pedestrian was seriously injured.
The glider crash near Overboelare has drawn particular attention as the airfield is home to the Vlaams Zweefvliegtuigcentrum Phoenix, a well-known glider aviation hub in East Flanders. Glider accidents, while rare, often result in serious injuries due to the lack of powered ejection systems and the fragile structure of the aircraft. The federal police aviation unit’s involvement signals a thorough investigation that could affect safety protocols at recreational airfields across Belgium.