Man (22) in Life-Threatening Condition After Fall from Brabo Statue in Antwerp
A 22-year-old man is in life-threatening condition after falling from the Brabo statue on Antwerp’s Grote Markt during the night of August 1. The man climbed the historic monument shortly before 3:30 AM and fell from a height of several meters, first striking the stone base before landing on the ground, according to VRT NWS.
The Incident
Police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns confirmed the incident and said authorities assume the man was under the influence of alcohol at the time. “For some reason, that 22-year-old man climbed onto the statue,” Bruyns told reporters. “We assume he was under the influence. He got quite high and then fell. It was an ugly fall. He first hit the stones and then landed on the ground. After that, he was taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition.”
The fall was captured by multiple surveillance cameras on the Grote Markt, and bystander footage circulated widely on social media. As of the latest reports, the man’s current condition remains unknown, with police stating they have not received further updates.
A Historic Monument at Risk
The Brabofontein, featuring the bronze statue of Silvius Brabo, has stood on the Grote Markt in front of Antwerp’s City Hall since its unveiling in 1887. Created by sculptor Jef Lambeaux, the fountain depicts the legendary Roman soldier Brabo throwing the severed hand of the giant Druon Antigoon into the Scheldt River — a tale from which the city’s name is said to derive, according to Wikipedia.
This is not the first time the monument has been climbed. In 2016, a man fell from the statue during a nighttime climbing attempt and was seriously injured, as HLN reported. Three years later, a group of naked youths climbed the statue in broad daylight with full terraces watching, according to HLN.
Potential Legal Consequences
Bruyns noted that a GAS fine (administrative fine) could theoretically be issued for the incident. The Antwerp police codex stipulates fines of up to 500 euros for damaging monuments if they are “destroyed, pulled down, mutilated, or damaged,” as Het Laatste Nieuws reported. Whether such a fine will be imposed remains unclear.
Bruyns also urged the public to refrain from such behavior. “It goes without saying that you don’t climb on things they’re not meant for,” he said. “There are no safety measures around the Brabo statue. The ground underneath is also hard. We advise everyone against such stunt behavior.”
Political Reaction
The incident has sparked political commentary, with Antwerp city council member Filip Dewinter of Vlaams Belang calling for increased police presence on the Grote Markt. “The Antwerp Grote Markt is full of cameras but there is hardly any police surveillance,” Dewinter wrote on X. “Fights, vandalism and now this! A minimum of a permanent police patrol on the Grote Markt is necessary!” His remarks were reported by V-Nieuws.
The Grote Markt has been the site of other incidents, including fights and vandalism, which Dewinter referenced in his social media post. The debate over police presence in Antwerp’s historic center is likely to continue as authorities await updates on the young man’s condition.
What’s Next
As the 22-year-old remains hospitalized in critical condition, police are awaiting updates on his recovery. The potential for a GAS fine and the broader discussion about monument safety and police surveillance on the Grote Markt will likely develop in the coming days. For now, authorities are focused on the young man’s health and reminding the public of the dangers of climbing historic monuments.