The fire was caused by an explosion (Image: X)
An explosion has rocked a Christmas market in Belgium, injuring multiple people, some with severe burns.
Authorities say two chalets caught fire at the Maredsous Christmas market in Wallonia.
Fire service personnel are already at the scene tackling the blaze.
A helicopter has transported three people with significant burns to hospital.
The cause of the fire is not yet known.
Colonel Marc Gilbert of the Val de Sambre emergency response zone stated: “Two chalets caught fire, but the Val de Sambre firefighters brought the blaze under control. The PIM (Medical Intervention Plan) has not been activated. The emergency medical team doctor is on site. There are three people with significant burns, and a helicopter will be arriving to transport them to specialised burn units.”
Those present are being evacuated, and the market has closed.
HORROR AS HUGE EXPLOSION ROCKS BELGIUM CHRISTMAS MARKET, SPARKING MASSIVE FIREBALL AND INJURING VISITORS
A festive Christmas celebration in Belgium has descended into horror after a powerful explosion ripped through a Christmas market, sending flames shooting into the air and leaving several people injured.
Emergency services rushed to the scene after a huge fire broke out at the popular Maredsous Christmas market in Anhée, in Belgium’s Namur province, on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
The terrifying incident reportedly involved an explosion linked to a propane gas cylinder, causing flames to spread through wooden market chalets.
Five people were injured, including two who were initially reported to be in critical condition. The incident has shocked the local community and raised fresh questions about safety arrangements at crowded Christmas markets.
Huge Explosion Sends Flames Across Christmas Market
The explosion occurred shortly before midday while visitors were enjoying the Christmas market.
Witnesses described a frightening scene as flames engulfed market structures and thick smoke rose above the site.
Emergency crews from the Dinaphi emergency services zone were rapidly dispatched to tackle the blaze.
Firefighters worked to bring the flames under control while police and medical teams coordinated the evacuation of visitors.
Two wooden chalets were completely destroyed, while two neighbouring structures were also damaged.
The market was evacuated as emergency workers treated the injured and secured the surrounding area.
Five People Injured as Two Victims Fight for Their Lives
The mayor of Anhée, Pierre Rondiat, confirmed that five people had been injured.
Two victims suffered particularly serious injuries and were initially described as being in critical condition.
One was transported by helicopter to a hospital in Liège, while arrangements were made to transfer the second to the military hospital in Neder-Over-Heembeek.
A third person also suffered burns, while two others sustained less serious injuries.
The incident required a substantial emergency response, with ambulances, firefighters and specialist medical personnel attending.
The full extent of the victims’ injuries remains an important concern.
Propane Gas Cylinder Believed to Have Caused Explosion
Initial information from local authorities indicates that an accidental explosion involving a propane gas cylinder caused the fire.
Propane cylinders are commonly used by food vendors and temporary businesses at outdoor markets.
Although these systems can be operated safely, leaks, equipment failures and other accidents can create serious fire hazards.
The Namur public prosecutor’s office was informed about the incident, and an expert was appointed to investigate the circumstances.
Authorities will need to establish exactly what happened and whether any safety requirements were breached.
At this stage, the incident is being treated as an accident rather than a deliberate attack.
Christmas Market Closed Following Emergency
The Maredsous Christmas market had only opened on Friday, November 13, making the incident particularly shocking for organisers and visitors.
The popular event is held near Maredsous Abbey, a well-known Benedictine monastery in Belgium’s Wallonia region.
The market traditionally attracts families and tourists with its festive atmosphere, traditional food, handmade products and seasonal entertainment.
Following the explosion, organisers and local authorities agreed that the market would remain closed for the rest of Sunday out of respect for those injured.
Mayor Pierre Rondiat confirmed that the situation was under control after firefighters successfully contained the blaze.
Questions Raised Over Christmas Market Safety
The incident has renewed attention on fire safety at temporary public events.
Christmas markets frequently feature wooden structures, cooking equipment, heating systems and gas cylinders.
These elements require appropriate inspection, safe storage and emergency procedures.
Local authorities and organisers must ensure that visitors can enjoy festive events without unnecessary risks.
The investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and whether the equipment involved was being used correctly.
For the victims and their families, the immediate priority remains medical treatment and recovery.
A Festive Celebration Turns Into a Nightmare
For many visitors, the Maredsous Christmas market was supposed to be an enjoyable start to the festive season.
Instead, the explosion transformed the event into a frightening emergency.
The rapid response from firefighters helped prevent the blaze from spreading further, potentially avoiding even more serious consequences.
Nevertheless, the destruction of several market chalets and the injuries suffered by five people have left the community deeply shaken.
The incident is also a reminder that even well-established public celebrations require careful safety planning.
Conclusion
The explosion at Belgium’s Maredsous Christmas market has shocked the local community and left five people injured, including two who were initially in critical condition.
An accidental propane cylinder explosion is believed to have triggered the fire, destroying two chalets and damaging neighbouring structures.
Emergency services successfully brought the blaze under control, while the market was evacuated and closed for the day.
Investigators will now work to establish exactly how the explosion happened and whether additional safety measures are necessary.
What should have been a joyful Christmas celebration became a scene of devastation within moments. The thoughts of the community are now with the injured and their families as they face the difficult road to recovery.