July 11, 2025

Explosive Found in Antwerp, DOVO Responds, Confirms Bruyns

July 10, 2025
78081

Antwerp (Eurotoday) – An explosive device was found on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Merksem, Antwerp, near Oostkaai. DOVO safely exploded it in Ekeren. Police suspect links to drug crime. Spokesperson: Wouter Bruyns.

As VRT News reported, on Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, there was a serious safety alert in Merksem, a northern part of Antwerp. A suspicious package was found on the street near the Oostkaai industrial estate. A passerby saw the object and told the police. The local police came right away and also called in DOVO, the Belgian army’s bomb squad. 

The police set up a security zone around the area and told several nearby businesses to evacuate. The place was closed off while the bomb experts looked at the package to see if it was dangerous. People were very worried because the area has many warehouses and businesses, and if the package had exploded there, it could have caused serious injuries or damage.

What link does the Merksem bomb near Oostkaai have to drug crime?

Wouter Bruyns from the Antwerp police said the package was a real explosive. The bomb squad took it away and blew it up in Oude Landen in Ekeren, a quiet area in the north of the city.  Bruyns said there is no risk for people because the place is far from homes. 

The explosion was very big. He said it was lucky the bomb did not go off at the industrial area. It could have caused a lot of damage. To stop people nearby from getting scared by the loud noise, the police also send a BE-Alert message. This is a warning system in Belgium that tells people living close to the explosion site what is happening before it takes place.

The police are now trying to find out who left the bomb there and why. No one knows for sure yet. But Antwerp has had more problems with drug gangs and violence in recent years. Some people think the bomb might be linked to that.

The store has been closed by the court for months because of an investigation. Police believe it may be linked to money laundering connected to the drug trade. The investigation is still going on. Detectives are checking if this was a one-time act or part of more drug-related violence. 

Eurotoday is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.

Comments

13 responses to “Explosive Found in Antwerp, DOVO Responds, Confirms Bruyns”

  1. hitch frenzy Avatar
    hitch frenzy

    Looks like Antwerp’s become the new fireworks capital, eh? Just when you think the drug lords have run out of ideas, they go and plant a bomb instead of a bouquet. 💥💁‍♂️

    Reply
  2. blade Avatar
    blade

    Just another day in Antwerp, where finding an explosive is like stumbling upon a parking ticket—completely normal! 😏 Hope the drug lords are taking notes; they clearly need to up their game with all this attention! 💥🚓

    Reply
  3. kinged Avatar
    kinged

    Another day, another explosive surprise in Antwerp—who knew the city was so keen on keeping things *dynamic*? 🎆 Just when you thought the drug trade was all about quiet transactions, they go and blow up the competition! 💥

    Reply
  4. Palomino Avatar
    Palomino

    Typical day in Antwerp, eh? Just your average explosive surprise – a wee bit more excitement than your regular pickpocketing! 💥😂

    Reply
  5. Juno Cream Avatar
    Juno Cream

    Just another day in Antwerp, where even the drug dealers are going for the big bang approach! 💥 And here I thought a quiet evening by the port was the height of excitement. 😂

    Reply
  6. fire sass Avatar
    fire sass

    Seems like Antwerp’s got a new way to spice up the local news 📰💣—who knew explosives could be linked to drug crime? Just another day in the city where the only thing more explosive than the package is the gossip! 😂

    Reply
  7. Killer Curio Avatar
    Killer Curio

    Just another day in Antwerp, where the only thing more explosive than the local drug scene is the bomb squad’s PR campaign. 💥 Who needs a thriller when you have real-life drama unfolding on your doorstep? 😏

    Reply
  8. Gentle Avenger Avatar
    Gentle Avenger

    Oh joy, just what Antwerp needed—a little explosive surprise to spice up the Thursday morning vibe! Talk about turning the industrial zone into a makeshift war zone, eh? 💥😅

    Reply
  9. racy babe Avatar
    racy babe

    Just another day in Antwerp, eh? Nothing says “good morning” quite like a surprise explosive and a police alert – I suppose it keeps the locals on their toes! 💣😅

    Reply
  10. Little Drunk Girl Avatar
    Little Drunk Girl

    Looks like Antwerp’s taking “going out with a bang” a bit too literally these days. 🤔 Just another day in the neighborhood where the only thing more explosive than the packages is the local gossip! 💥💼

    Reply
  11. Cabbie Avatar
    Cabbie

    Another day, another explosive package in Antwerp—just your typical Thursday, eh? At this rate, we might as well start selling tickets for the next big bang! 🎆💥

    Reply
  12. Marshmallow Avatar
    Marshmallow

    Just what Antwerp needed – a surprise explosive to spice up the neighborhood! Apparently, the local drug lords are really taking “blowing up the competition” to a whole new level. 💥😜

    Reply
  13. Call Back Queen Avatar
    Call Back Queen

    Oh, just another day in Antwerp, where the only thing more explosive than the police reports is the local drug trade! 💣🚓 Who needs a movie when you’ve got real-life drama unfolding on the streets?

    Reply
  14. crash enforcer Avatar
    crash enforcer

    Just another day in Antwerp, eh? Who knew that finding an explosive was the new way to highlight our thriving industrial estate – perhaps a new tourist attraction? 💥🤷‍♂️

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Last News

EU Announces €2.3 Billion Aid for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

July 11, 2025
99184

EU Announces €2.3 Billion Aid for Ukraine’s Reconstruction

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – On Thursday, the European Commission revealed a 2.3 billion euro aid package for Ukraine to assist in its reconstruction following the extensive destruction caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion.

What is included in the €2.3 billion package?How much destruction has Russia caused in Ukraine?

Russia’s air strikes have seriously impacted the infrastructure

Read More

EU Illegal Crossings Decrease by 20% in First Half of 2025, Reports Frontex

July 11, 2025
87034

EU Illegal Crossings Decrease by 20% in First Half of 2025, Reports Frontex

The Central Mediterranean route is the EU’s most active migratory path, accounting for 39 percent of all irregular arrivals, according to a press release.
This route is also perilous. The International Organization for Migration estimates about 760 people died in the Mediterranean in the first half of this year. In 2024, 2,300 lives were lost in the same area.
Frontex has around 3,000 agents, plan

Read More

Environment Ministers Tested for “Forever Chemicals”

July 11, 2025
92108

Environment Ministers Tested for “Forever Chemicals”

In Copenhagen, EU Environment and Climate ministers, along with Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall, participated in a blood test on Thursday to check for “forever chemicals” (PFAS), according to Danish and European officials.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of synthetic chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment.
Research indicates that some PFAS ca

Read More

Diepenbeek: 21 Flats by Dethier to Replace Old Post Office

July 10, 2025
46665

Diepenbeek: 21 Flats by Dethier to Replace Old Post Office

Diepenbeek (Eurotoday) – The old post office on Kerkstraat in Diepenbeek will be replaced by a green housing project with 21 apartments. Dethier plans 2 L-shaped buildings and a private garden.
As VRT News reported, the old post office on Kerkstraat in Diepenbeek, a municipality in the province of Limburg, Belgium, is being demolished. A new housing project will be built there. Officials mention

Read More

EU Considers Halting Israel Relations Amid Gaza Crisis

July 10, 2025
96299

EU Considers Halting Israel Relations Amid Gaza Crisis

The review indicates that suspending the trade chapter of the agreement would remove trade preferences for Israeli products entering the EU, potentially passing with a qualified majority vote in the Council. A complete ban on imports from illegal West Bank settlements demands unanimity from member states, but individual nations can adopt this policy on their own.
Alternative options include exclud

Read More

EP adopted resolution on China’s raw material export restrictions at Lexmann’s request

July 10, 2025
27809

EP adopted resolution on China’s raw material export restrictions at Lexmann’s request

Brussels/Strasbourg – The European Parliament (EP) approved a resolution on Thursday to address the EU’s economic, security, and strategic interests in the supply of critical raw materials, initiated by Slovak MEP Miriam Lexmann (EPP/KDH). She emphasized the significance of this issue for European security, as reported by TASR.
As a member of the EP Committee on International Trade (INTA),

Read More

Vought SB2U Vindicator: A Naval Aviation Legacy

July 10, 2025
73932

Vought SB2U Vindicator: A Naval Aviation Legacy

Introduction 
If you have an interest in aviation or you enjoy studying old planes, chances are the Vought SB2U Vindicator will catch your fancy. One might wonder why we concentrate on this plane and not on more famous types of WWII aircraft, such as the 4U Corsair. That is why the Vindicator preceded the Corsair and was used in World War II, but is not very popular. It acted as a basis for subs

Read More

Expert Warns: Trump Trade Dispute Poses Risk to EU’s Future

July 10, 2025
77742

Expert Warns: Trump Trade Dispute Poses Risk to EU’s Future

Berlin (dpa) – A trade expert warns that the ongoing trade conflict between the USA and the EU may escalate into a significant confrontation with dire implications for Europe. In a scenario paper acquired by the German Press Agency, Laura von Daniels from the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) asserts, “For the first time since World War II, Americans and Europeans may

Read More

EU allies express ‘concern’ over Israel’s plan to relocate displaced Palestinians to restricted area

July 10, 2025
63500

EU allies express ‘concern’ over Israel’s plan to relocate displaced Palestinians to restricted area

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz briefed reporters about his plan to relocate around 600,000 displaced Palestinians in Gaza into a sealed-off zone, according to media reports. Katz stated that the entire population of over 2 million Palestinians would eventually be moved into this zone, which he reportedly described as a “humanitarian city.”
Although Germany and Austria are among Israel’s stro

Read More

Explosive Found in Antwerp, DOVO Responds, Confirms Bruyns

July 10, 2025
78081

Explosive Found in Antwerp, DOVO Responds, Confirms Bruyns

Antwerp (Eurotoday) – An explosive device was found on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Merksem, Antwerp, near Oostkaai. DOVO safely exploded it in Ekeren. Police suspect links to drug crime. Spokesperson: Wouter Bruyns.
As VRT News reported, on Thursday morning, July 10, 2025, there was a serious safety alert in Merksem, a northern part of Antwerp. A suspicious package was found on the street near t

Read More