Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Around 300 people gathered in Antwerp to mourn 9-year-old Jidel, who tragically died after being struck by a police van, sparking public grief and concern.
Near the scene of the accident, about 300 members of the Jewish Orthodox community, to whom the youngster belonged, assembled.
Jidel was struck by a car this morning at 9:45 a.m. in Antwerp, Belgium, Provinciestraat, close to a school.
The police van was en route to an urgent assignment. The boy was resuscitated by the rescue services, but it was too late.
Jewish tradition dictates that the deceased should be buried as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours after passing away. Thus, Jidel’s farewell was held this evening.
About 300 people gathered to wait for the family.
“When the hearse arrived, you saw the enormous grief. Of course, no one expects to lose a child at such a young age,”
says VRT NWS journalist Hilde Mertens on the spot.
The hearse departed for Putte, Netherlands, following the prayer. The deceased will be laid to rest in one of the three Jewish cemeteries there.
How are authorities responding to the victims of the Antwerp incident?
Emergency personnel swiftly brought the injured, including passengers and the bus driver, to hospital for treatment and care.
The four survivors and the stunned bus driver were given emergency medical care.
Police promptly detained the suspect on the spot and began a thorough investigation into the attack’s circumstances and motivations.
The inquiry is being conducted by the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office, which has verified that the attacker and victims were strangers, suggesting that the assault was random.
Proactive steps have been taken by Antwerp’s local police to assist victims, such as keeping a visible presence, collaborating closely with social services, and guaranteeing prompt incident response.
