Crime in Belgium: Ukrainian family becomes victim of a terrible tragedy, teen’s confession overshadows the scene of a horrific murder
A tragic story has unfolded in Belgium, shaking both regional and international communities. A 16-year-old son of a Ukrainian family, who settled in the town of Hassrode, has confessed his involvement in the murder of his mother and young sister, as well as the arson of the house. This high-profile case has been reported by local media, including the newspaper De Standaard, as well as Ukrainian sources tracking the developments. According to Leuven prosecutor's reports, after nearly five hours of detailed questioning, the teenager confidently admitted his guilt. The young man confessed that he was the one who inflicted fatal injuries on his mother and sister, and subsequently set the house on fire. Law enforcement officials clarified that the upcoming Juvenile Court session will take place this Sunday, as the suspect is a minor. This tragedy occurred on Friday, June 6. In the morning, police noticed a fire near the Ukrainian family’s home, located in one of Hassrode’s typical residential areas. The blaze quickly engulfed the building, leading to tragic consequences. It was discovered that inside the house, a 46-year-old Ukrainian woman and her six-year-old daughter were found dead, with no signs of life. Unfortunately, the family’s pet dog also perished in the fire. Initial reports indicated that family members were also in the house during the fire, including the eldest son, who was at school at the time. He was initially considered a potential victim or witness, but the situation has radically changed now. Preliminary information suggests that the family came to Belgium at the start of Russia’s large-scale military aggression against Ukraine, which caused a mass displacement of Ukrainians abroad. The family also has an adult daughter living in Ireland, and the father serves in the military, responsible for evacuation and ensuring the safety of his loved ones. Given the severity and scale of the tragedy, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken this case under special control. The Ukrainian Embassy in Belgium is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating all necessary measures to assist the family and clarify all circumstances of the incident. This case has sparked waves of outrage and deep sympathy among the Ukrainian community, which is anxiously following the development of the situation. While the motive behind the tragedy is still being investigated, one thing is clear — this terrible event once again underscores the importance of heightened attention to the safety of Ukrainian migrant workers and their families abroad. At the same time, Belgian law enforcement continues to investigate all aspects of the crime to determine the motive and reasons behind these heinous acts. Currently, the Ukrainian family is facing a difficult period of grief and loss, and the court process will be another step in the long fight for justice and accountability. Everyone is awaiting the case to be heard in court, hoping that the truth will be established and that those responsible will face deserved punishment. The topic will remain relevant in media and public consciousness, serving as a reminder of the necessity to remain vigilant about safety and to protect Ukrainians even abroad.