Belgian Christmas Market Explosion: 5 Injured in Maredsous

A suspected gas cylinder explosion tore through the Maredsous Christmas market in Belgium's Namur province on Sunday, 15 November 2026, leaving five people injured, two of them critically. The blast destroyed two wooden chalets and damaged two neighbouring stalls at the annual market near Maredsous Abbey. Emergency services evacuated the site, and the market will remain closed on Sunday out of respect for the victims, according to Anhée mayor Pierre Rondiat.

What happened at the Belgian Christmas market?

The incident unfolded on the morning of Sunday, 15 November, at the Christmas market in Maredsous, a village in the municipality of Anhée in the Walloon province of Namur. Belgian media, including the NOS, reported that firefighters believe the explosion was likely accidental and caused by a gas cylinder. The blaze quickly engulfed two chalets and spread to two adjacent market stalls. The market, held annually over five weekends at Maredsous Abbey, had opened on Friday with more than 60 chalets. This Christmas market safety regulations have become a focus after several incidents across Europe in recent years.

Casualties and emergency response

Five people were injured, according to Belgian authorities. Three victims were airlifted to specialist burn units in Liège and Neder-Over-Heembeek with serious burns; two of them remain in critical condition. Two others were treated for minor injuries.

• 3 seriously injured – airlifted by medical helicopter to burn units
• 2 critically injured – receiving specialist care
• 2 lightly injured – treated on site or at local facilities
• 2 chalets destroyed – completely burned down
• 2 chalets damaged – neighbouring stalls affected

Colonel Marc Gilbert of the Val de Sambre emergency services said crews contained the blaze quickly. 'The medical intervention plan was not activated,' he told Belgian media. The Namur public prosecutor's office has been alerted and has opened an investigation.

Why did the Christmas market explosion happen?

While the exact cause is still under investigation, firefighters from the Dinaphi zone believe the fire was accidental and likely triggered by an exploding gas cylinder. Similar incidents involving gas cylinder explosion safety have prompted renewed scrutiny of propane use at outdoor markets. Authorities have not ruled out other causes, and forensic teams are examining the destroyed chalets.

Impact and market closure

Mayor Pierre Rondiat of Anhée set up a crisis team shortly after the explosion. The market was evacuated immediately and will remain closed on Sunday. 'We decided to close the market out of respect for the victims,' Rondiat said. The annual event normally attracts visitors from across Wallonia and beyond, and organisers are expected to announce whether it will resume next weekend. The incident has drawn attention to Belgium emergency response protocols and the safety of seasonal public gatherings.

FAQ: Maredsous Christmas market explosion

What caused the Maredsous Christmas market explosion?

Firefighters believe a gas cylinder exploded accidentally, but the Namur public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation to confirm the exact cause.

How many people were injured in the Belgian Christmas market fire?

Five people were injured: three seriously (two critical) and two lightly. Three victims were airlifted to specialist burn units.

Where is Maredsous Christmas market located?

The market is held at Maredsous Abbey in Denée, part of the Anhée municipality in Namur province, Wallonia, Belgium.

Is the Maredsous Christmas market still open?

No. The market was evacuated and will remain closed on Sunday, 15 November 2026, out of respect for the victims.