Brussels Shooting: Last Shot Counted on Rue de la Clinique, 2025
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New Year’s Eve in Brussels: Fires, Attacks, and Arrests Reported
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Published January 1, 2024, at 11:40 AM CET. Updated as new information becomes available.
Overview of New Year’s Eve Incidents
Brussels experienced a range of incidents during New Year’s Eve celebrations, including multiple fires, an assault on an ambulance driver, and numerous arrests across different police zones.While no injuries were reported from the fires, the incidents prompted a meaningful police response.
Fire Services Respond to Multiple Outbreaks
Fire services were called to several locations throughout Brussels to extinguish fires on New Year’s Eve. The municipality confirmed the incidents, but details regarding the cause and extent of the fires have not yet been released by authorities. The lack of reported injuries suggests swift response and containment efforts.
Assault on Ambulance Driver
A especially concerning incident involved the assault of an ambulance driver while responding to an emergency call. Details surrounding the attack are currently limited, and the police have not yet provided further information. Attacks on emergency personnel are taken extremely seriously by Belgian authorities and often result in significant penalties. The Brussels Times reported on the increasing number of attacks on emergency services in Belgium in 2023.
Arrest Statistics by Police Zone
A total of 70 arrests were made across Brussels during New Year’s Eve. The distribution of arrests varied significantly between police zones:
- Midi Zone (Anderlecht, Forest, Saint-Gilles): 7 arrests
- Montgomery Zone (Etterbeek, Woluwe-Saint-pierre, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert): 10 arrests
- North Zone (Schaerbeek, Evere, Saint-Josse-ten-Noode): 39 arrests
- West Zone (Molenbeek-Saint-Jean, Jette, Ganshoren, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Koekelberg): 23 arrests
The North Zone saw the highest number of arrests, indicating a greater level of public disorder in that area.The Midi Zone experienced the fewest arrests, suggesting a relatively calmer New Year’s Eve in Anderlecht.
Clemenceau Metro station Closure
As a precautionary measure, the exit of the Clemenceau metro station, on the rue de la Clinique side, was closed by police during the night. This closure likely aimed to prevent gatherings and potential disturbances in the vicinity of the station. Metro station closures are a common tactic employed by brussels police during large public events.