Worker Out of Danger After Fall at Antwerp Cathedral
A 50-year-old worker is no longer in life-threatening condition after falling during roof repair works at the Cathedral of Our Lady (Onze-Lieve-Vrouwekathedraal) in Antwerp, Belgium, on Monday morning. The man’s safety harness prevented a more severe fall, though he sustained serious injuries in the incident.
According to VRT NWS, emergency services were alerted on Monday morning after the worker fell from a height while performing roof work on the cathedral. The incident occurred as part of ongoing restoration efforts at one of Belgium’s most iconic landmarks.
Watch video coverage of the incident
The Incident
“A worker was working on the cathedral when he fell from a height,” said Wouter Bruyns, spokesperson for the Antwerp Police. “He was able to alert his colleagues, but then lost consciousness.”
The man remained suspended in his safety harness (klimharnas), which prevented him from falling further. Despite this protective equipment, he sustained serious injuries. “Despite the safety system, the man did sustain serious injuries,” Bruyns confirmed.
De Morgen reported that the worker fell a few meters before his harness caught the impact. He was unconscious when the fire brigade freed him.
Rescue Operation
Brandweer Zone Antwerpen (Antwerp Fire Brigade) responded with multiple teams, including a climbing team placed on standby. The man was safely evacuated via a ladder truck after first aid was administered on an intermediate floor of the cathedral. He was then transported to hospital by MUG (Mobile Urgency Group), the Belgian emergency medical service. Video footage from Het Laatste Nieuws shows the rescue operation.
The worker was in life-threatening condition for several hours but has since been stabilized, according to updates from VRT NWS via MSN.
Investigation Underway
No perimeter was established beneath the cathedral because the accident occurred at height. However, police have set up a perimeter at the elevation where the incident took place to investigate the cause.
“At the height where the accident occurred, a perimeter has been set up to investigate the cause,” Bruyns said. “The man was working alone so there are no witnesses. He likely fell due to medical reasons.”
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining whether a medical event may have triggered the fall.
The Cathedral of Our Lady
The Cathedral of Our Lady is the largest Gothic church in the Low Countries and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1999. Its 123-meter-high belfry tower was completed in 1518, and the cathedral attracts approximately 350,000 visitors annually.
Restoration works at the cathedral have been ongoing since 1965, with total costs exceeding 50 million euros. The phased restoration program has included facade restoration, stained glass window restoration, roof maintenance, and interior work. In 2026, the cathedral tower was reopened for public climbing visits from April to October.
The incident on Monday follows a lightning strike on June 21, 2026, which damaged the cathedral tower and caused the clock and bells to stop working. The city conducted inspections and began repair work following that event.
Workplace Safety Context
Falls account for 19% of workplace accidents in Belgium, whether from height or otherwise, and 29% of fall victims sustain serious injuries. This incident highlights the inherent risks of working at height, even with proper safety equipment in place.
The worker’s safety harness played a critical role in preventing a potentially fatal outcome. While the man did sustain serious injuries, the harness prevented him from falling to the ground, likely saving his life.
What’s Next
Authorities will continue their investigation into the cause of the fall, with medical factors being considered as a possible trigger. The worker remains hospitalized and his recovery will be closely monitored. The incident also raises questions about safety protocols for workers performing restoration work at historic landmarks, where access and working conditions can present unique challenges.
As restoration efforts at the cathedral continue, this incident serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by workers maintaining Belgium’s architectural heritage. The outcome could have been far worse without the safety equipment that kept the worker suspended until rescue teams arrived.