Man (22) Critical After Fall from Brabo Statue in Antwerp

A 22-year-old man from Rumst is in life-threatening condition after falling from the Brabo statue on Antwerp’s Grote Markt in the early hours of August 1. The man climbed to the top of the 10.6-meter-high fountain in the early hours of the morning before losing his balance and falling, striking the stones at the monument’s base before landing on the ground, according to VRT NWS.

The Incident

Police spokesperson Wouter Bruyns confirmed that the man climbed onto the statue for reasons that remain unclear. “For some reason, that 22-year-old man climbed onto the statue,” Bruyns said. “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. He was then taken to the hospital in life-threatening condition.”

The fall was captured by multiple security cameras on the Grote Markt and by bystanders, with footage circulating widely on social media. Emergency services, including multiple police units, an ambulance, and the fire brigade, responded to the scene. As of August 4, police had not received further updates on the man’s condition.

Bruyns urged the public not to climb monuments. “It goes without saying that you don’t climb on things they weren’t 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 acts.”

The Brabofontein: A Protected Monument

The Brabofontein, a fountain featuring a bronze statue of the legendary Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, has stood on the Grote Markt since 1887. Created by sculptor Jef Lambeaux, the fountain depicts Brabo defeating the giant Druon Antigoon by cutting off his hand and throwing it into the Scheldt river—a legend that gave Antwerp its name. The fountain has been a protected monument since 1982, recognized for its historical, artistic, and folkloric value. In 2023, the rock structure at its base underwent major restoration.

City officials confirmed that the fall caused no visible damage to the monument. “We deeply regret this incident,” said Evelien Claes, coordinator of national press operations for the City of Antwerp. “Our thoughts go first and foremost to the victim and his loved ones.” Claes emphasized that climbing monuments is prohibited, noting that “monuments like the Brabofontein are not designed or equipped to be climbed.”

Eyewitness Accounts

Hospitality workers on the Grote Markt, who were present during the incident, described the scene as deeply shocking. Alexander (29), a flex worker at an establishment on the square, said: “It was really shocking. I saw the emergency services arriving and it was immediately clear that something serious had happened. I think there were multiple police units, an ambulance, and the fire brigade on the square.”

Alexander also expressed suspicion that alcohol played a role in the incident. “I suspect alcohol was involved,” he told HLN. “I don’t think you’d just climb up there sober.”

Another hospitality worker, Abby (20), noted that while the square often sees large crowds at night, actual climbing incidents are rare during her shifts.

A Recurring Problem

This is not the first time someone has attempted to climb the Brabo statue. In 2016, a man fell from the statue during a nighttime climbing attempt, though he was able to stand up after a few minutes. Three years later, in April 2019, four young people climbed the statue in broad daylight after stripping naked, with the reason for the act remaining unclear.

Political Reaction

The incident has reignited debate about police presence in Antwerp’s city center. Filip Dewinter, an Antwerp city council member for the Vlaams Belang party, called for a permanent police patrol on the Grote Markt, writing on X: “Antwerp’s Grote Markt is full of cameras but there is barely any police surveillance. Fights, vandalism, and now this! A minimum of a permanent police patrol on the Grote Markt is necessary!” as reported by V-Nieuws.

The city of Antwerp has stated it does not currently plan additional measures specifically for the Brabofontein.

Legal Considerations

A police report has been filed. Under Antwerp’s police codex, fines up to 500 euros can be imposed for damaging monuments if they are “destroyed, demolished, mutilated or damaged.” Police spokesperson Bruyns noted that a GAS-boete (administrative fine) could theoretically be issued, though it remains unclear whether this will happen.

What’s Next

The man’s current medical condition remains unknown as of August 4, with police awaiting further updates from the hospital. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of climbing historic monuments—both for the individuals involved and for the preservation of cultural heritage. As hospitality worker Alexander put it: “You can’t fence off every monument because someone might climb on it. This is an iconic statue and a beautiful place in the city. But people also need to realize that this is not a climbing frame.”