A tragic and shocking event occurred in the Belgian town of Hassrode: a woman and her minor daughter were found dead in their home, and it later emerged that their murder was likely preceded by arson
The incident took place in a house where a Ukrainian military family resided — this news has already circulated in local and European media, causing widespread resonance and concern regarding the safety of Ukrainians abroad. According to reports from Belgian law enforcement authorities, everything happened on Friday, June 6, around 9:30 a.m. On that day, a fire broke out in the house, attracting the attention of firefighters. Upon arrival, they discovered a tragic scene: the body of a 46-year-old woman was found lifeless, and nearby was her 6-year-old daughter, who was still conscious but showed signs of severe injury. Emergency doctors who arrived on the scene attempted to save the child, but her injuries were fatal — she passed away in the hospital. It is noted that both victims had sustained stab wounds, as confirmed by preliminary investigation data. Initial findings of the investigators indicate that both the bodies and the cause of the fire suggest a deliberate crime. Fire service experts hypothesized that the fire was set intentionally, which supports the version of a calculated act. The prosecutor's office has initiated a criminal investigation into double murder and arson. According to preliminary information, the Ukrainian military family had been living in Belgium for over three years. The family also included a 16-year-old son, who was at school at the time of the tragedy. According to available information, the deceased woman’s husband, the father of both the woman and the child, is currently involved in military operations in Ukraine. This may suggest that the cause of the tragedy was related to personal conflicts or external difficulties arising from his military service and the absence of the mother at home. It is worth noting that such large-scale events involving Ukrainians abroad are rarely coincidental and provoke particular concern, as suspicions about the motives of the crime remain high. This incident also brings to mind another tragic event in Germany last year, where two Ukrainian citizens — born in 1987 and 2001 — were murdered. It was found that these men were servicemen undergoing treatment after injuries at a Bavarian military hospital. Another unsettling piece of news was the arrest of a 57-year-old Russian citizen in connection with this crime. He has been taken into custody, and the investigation continues to clarify the circumstances of the case. Overall, the events in Hassrode and Germany reflect an increasing number of murders and conflicts involving Ukrainians abroad. These tragedies highlight the importance of strengthening security and protection for Ukrainian citizens in Europe and other countries. At the same time, law enforcement agencies urge citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid potential conflict situations, especially amid ongoing war and heightened tensions that cross borders. This case once again raises questions about the safety of Ukrainian families living in Europe and stimulates public discussion on the need for more active responses to such crimes and their motives. Meanwhile, society eagerly awaits clarifications of all circumstances surrounding the tragedy and calls for those responsible to be brought to justice, to prevent similar incidents in the future.