Kessel-Lo (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 300 youths gathered at Becker Remyplein in Kessel-Lo. Leuven police dispersed the crowd, confiscated fireworks, issued GAS fines, managed small fires, and treated injuries, including one burned hand.
As VRT News reported, last night, Dec 31, 2025, around 300 young people gathered at Becker Remyplein in Kessel-Lo, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. Many of them set off fireworks, causing concern for local authorities.
Leuven police sent foot patrols to the area to manage the situation. They also issued fines to those breaking the rules. A small group of youths stayed behind and resisted police instructions. Mark Vranckx of Leuven police said the situation remained under control.
What happened during New Year’s Eve at Becker Remyplein in Kessel‑Lo?
Officials mentioned that the fines given were part of GAS regulations, which stand for Gemeentelijke Administratieve Sancties or Municipal Administrative Sanctions. GAS fines are used for minor offences like illegal dumping, public urination, excessive noise, and unauthorised fireworks.
During the night, a large group gathered at Becker Remyplein in Kessel-Lo. The crowd set off fireworks and occasionally threw small explosive devices. At one point, a pile of trash, mostly made up of fireworks packaging, caught fire. Police patrols quickly put out the smouldering pile using a fire extinguisher from a police vehicle. The fire department also arrived, but only responded briefly.
“Just before midnight, nearly 15,000 revellers gathered at the Oude Mark to count down together in an exuberant atmosphere. Police were particularly busy with dozens of reports of fireworks across the entire city,”
Leuven Police reported.
Some people were injured during the night. 1 person suffered burns to a hand and had to be taken to the hospital. 5 partygoers spent the early hours of the new year in a police cell. Another 9 people were taken to the hospital for various reasons connected to the night’s events.
In the early hours of January 1, 2025, a similar situation occurred at Becker Remyplein Kessel-Lo. Police located a considerable stock of fireworks that were seized to mitigate risk to the public through potential injuries from fireworks. Numerous individuals were identified and subsequently given citations for engaging in illegal uses of fireworks.
Approximately 10 people were arrested indefinitely due to drinking too much or behaving disorderly in a public place. Many party-goers required hospital attention for minor injuries that occurred as a result of being cut by broken glass.
On January 1, 2024, there were over 140 individuals arrested in Brussels during the celebratory period, whereas Antwerp reported approximately 60 arrests related to disturbances involving fireworks.
