Belgian Politician Stuck 13 Hours in Toilet: Full Story

Belgian politician Frédéric Erens spent 13 hours trapped in a toilet at the Flemish Parliament in Brussels after a door lock broke at a crucial moment on September 16, 2026. The 58-year-old Vlaams Belang MP had finished a committee meeting and stopped for a quick restroom visit before heading home around 17:00, but he could not get out until military police forced the door with a crowbar the next morning. The unusual incident has since made headlines across Europe.

How Did the Belgian Politician Get Stuck?

According to Belgian media, Erens was inside a restroom in the parliament building when a component of the door lock snapped. "A part broke at a crucial moment," he told VRT Nieuws. He shouted and banged on the door, but colleagues had already left for the day. The incident has drawn attention to Flemish Parliament building security and maintenance procedures.

The 13-Hour Ordeal: Timeline and Rescue

Erens did not have his phone because he had left it on his desk. "For once I leave my phone on my desk. That was of course very foolish," he said. The small space was too cramped for sleep, so he spent the night "thinking and above all being zen."

Discovery and Crowbar Rescue

Around 06:00 on Wednesday morning, a cleaner switched on the lights and found him. "Then I suddenly saw the light go on and knew, okay, rescue is near," Erens said. The cleaner could not open the door, so military police guarding the parliament were called and used a crowbar to break it open.

Timeline of the Toilet Incident

• 17:00, Sept 16: Erens enters the toilet after a committee meeting.
• 17:05: A lock component breaks, trapping him inside.
• Overnight: He punches holes in the door for air and stays awake.
• 06:00, Sept 17: A cleaner finds him and alerts security.
• 06:30: Military police open the door with a crowbar.
• Morning: Erens is checked at Saint-Jean Hospital for oxygen deficiency.

Why Did He Need Hospital Treatment?

Erens was taken to Saint-Jean Hospital because of oxygen deficiency. The toilet's ventilation only worked when there was movement in the room. He had punched holes in the door with a metal object from the toilet to get air. After a check-up he was allowed to go home. The case highlights how Belgian political figures can face unexpected risks in older public buildings.

What Is Vlaams Belang?

Vlaams Belang is a right-wing Flemish nationalist party that has been a significant force in Belgian politics. Erens has been an MP in the Flemish Parliament and is known for his active role in committee work. The party's lawmakers meet in Brussels, where the parliament building hosts dozens of committee rooms and offices.

Reaction and Implications

Despite the ordeal, Erens remained calm. "It has no point to get annoyed. It could have happened to anyone," he said. The incident has prompted discussion about whether the parliament should review toilet door safety standards in its facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Frédéric Erens?

Frédéric Erens is a 58-year-old Belgian politician and member of the far-right Vlaams Belang party in the Flemish Parliament.

How long was he trapped in the toilet?

He was trapped for approximately 13 hours, from around 17:00 on September 16 until 06:00 on September 17, 2026.

How was he rescued?

Military police guarding the Flemish Parliament forced the toilet door open with a crowbar after a cleaner found him.

Why was he hospitalized?

He was taken to Saint-Jean Hospital for oxygen deficiency caused by limited ventilation in the small toilet space.