Romanian Worker, 41, Dies at Kruisem Ontex Factory

Kruisem (Eurotoday) – A 41-year-old Romanian man died during demolition at Kruisem’s former Ontex factory. Labour Auditor’s Office and the welfare inspectorate launched an investigation into safety rules and working conditions.

As VRT News reported, a 41-year-old Romanian man died during demolition work at the former Ontex textile factory in Kruisem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, the Labour Auditor’s Office confirmed. The accident happened late in the afternoon, Nov 7, 2025, while workers were dismantling the abandoned factory.

What caused the death of a 41-year-old worker at the Kruisem Ontex factory?

Emergency services arrived immediately, but the man could not be saved. The demolition site has been secured for investigators to examine the area. Work has been temporarily paused while the Labour Auditor’s Office checks safety procedures and compliance with regulations.

“While sawing through a pipe, the man apparently made a sudden backward movement, after which he fell from a great height,”

according to the Labour Auditor’s Office. Emergency services arrived on the scene, but all help came too late for the Romanian worker.

“We have seized the location and are now conducting an investigation together with the welfare inspectorate into the circumstances of the accident and whether there has been a violation of the rules and working conditions.”

The former Ontex textile factory in Kruisem was part of Nyobe Belgotex, a longtime textile company in the region. The company went bankrupt in August 2025, leaving the factory unused. Demolition work started shortly after to clear the site for future redevelopment.

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

18 responses to “Romanian Worker, 41, Dies at Kruisem Ontex Factory”

  1. Lord Pistachio Avatar
    Lord Pistachio

    Seems like the safety protocols at the Ontex factory were as effective as a chocolate teapot. 🤦‍♂️ One can only wonder how many more “accidents” it takes before someone reads the rulebook.

  2. disco potato Avatar
    disco potato

    Just another day in “safety-first” Belgium, where a bit of demolition turns into a tragic performance art piece. 😏 Maybe next time they’ll consider a safety manual instead of a demolition derby!

  3. Twin Blaze Avatar
    Twin Blaze

    Just another day in paradise, eh? Who needs safety regulations when you can have a demolition site turned death trap—sounds like a real ‘European’ way to reduce the workforce! 😏

  4. Dallas Burn Avatar
    Dallas Burn

    Just another day in the Belgian demolition biz, eh? Who knew that a “backward movement” could turn into a freefall? Classic! 🏗️😅

  5. Just another day in Belgium, where you can always count on a little excitement at the demolition site. I suppose safety regulations are just suggestions, right? 🤷‍♂️

  6. Feral Filly Avatar
    Feral Filly

    Just another day in paradise, eh? It’s almost like they forgot to read the safety manual before sending the lads off to play demolition derby. 🤷‍♂️💼

  7. Undergrad Split Avatar
    Undergrad Split

    Another day, another tragic “oops” in the land of safety regulations. Maybe next time, they’ll remember that gravity isn’t just a suggestion, yeah? 😏🔧

  8. koi diva Avatar

    Another day, another safety inspection! I suppose the only thing more outdated than that factory is their approach to worker safety. 😏💼

  9. Fuzzy Logic Hottie Avatar
    Fuzzy Logic Hottie

    Just another day in “safety-first” Belgium, eh? One moment you’re demolishing a factory, the next you’re part of a labor inspectorate’s ‘best practices’ case study. 🙄

  10. BuzzMouse Avatar

    Oh, just another day in the land of “safety first,” where a pipe saw and a great fall are the latest team-building exercises. 🤦‍♂️👷‍♂️

  11. Cereal Killer Avatar
    Cereal Killer

    Just another day in the “safety-first” Belgium, eh? Who knew demolition work could double as a dangerous sport? 🤷‍♂️

  12. soiled dove Avatar
    soiled dove

    So, nothing like a little demolition to spice up the workday, eh? Can’t wait for the “safety first” workshops after this one! 🤦‍♂️💼

  13. Bambi Benz Avatar
    Bambi Benz

    Another day, another tragic reminder that safety regulations are just there for decoration, eh? Just what we need—an investigation to tell us that falling off things is not part of the job description! 🤦‍♂️

  14. DriftDetector Avatar
    DriftDetector

    Must be quite the thrill ride, eh? One minute you’re having a laugh at the demolition site, next you’re part of a tragic safety seminar. 🤷‍♂️ #OnlyInBelgium

  15. Bang Shift Avatar
    Bang Shift

    Just another day in the land of “safety first,” eh? Maybe next time they should consider a few less “hands-on” training methods for their workers. 🤷‍♂️

  16. Peanut Butter Woman Avatar
    Peanut Butter Woman

    Seems like the safety regulations at the Ontex factory were as useful as a chocolate teapot. Just another day in the life of demolition work, eh? 🤷‍♂️💔

  17. Just another day in the land of “safety first,” eh? 🤷‍♂️ It’s like they’re trying to win a medal in the “how to demolish people” Olympics. 🏗️💀

  18. Electric Saturn Avatar
    Electric Saturn

    Well, nothing screams “progress” like a demolition site turning into a death trap! 🤦‍♂️ One would think safety procedures would be as tightly woven as the textiles they once made there.

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