DOVO responds to street explosive discovery in Antwerp Zurenborg

Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 15, 2026 – An explosive device found on Ramstraat in the Zurenborg neighbourhood prompted immediate intervention by the DOVO bomb disposal service and local police. The Antwerp public prosecutor’s office confirmed the discovery, leading to complete closure of the affected street. Emergency services secured the perimeter while specialists assessed and neutralised the threat.

Police received reports of a suspicious object located on the public roadway around mid-morning. Uniformed officers established a 200-metre exclusion zone within minutes, evacuating nearby residences and businesses. DOVO technicians arrived equipped with robotic inspection units and protective gear to examine the device.

The incident unfolded in Zurenborg, a densely populated residential area characterised by early 20th-century architecture and high foot traffic. Authorities maintained public safety as the primary operational focus throughout the response.

Initial Discovery and Emergency Response

A passerby spotted the object near a residential property line during routine morning activity. The individual alerted emergency services via the 101 non-emergency police line at 10:47 a.m. First responders confirmed visual indicators consistent with explosive ordnance and initiated cordons.

Antwerp Local Police deployed 12 patrol vehicles to seal Ramstraat at both ends, extending barriers to adjacent side streets. Traffic diversions routed vehicles via parallel avenues, with signage in Dutch, French, and English. Public transport lines 10 and 13 experienced temporary suspensions affecting 4,500 daily passengers.

Evacuation orders covered 23 households housing approximately 65 residents, plus three commercial establishments including a bakery and pharmacy. Temporary reception centres opened at Zurenborg Community Hall 300 metres distant.

DOVO Bomb Disposal Service Deployment

The Flemish government’s DOVO (Dienst voor Opruiming en Vernietiging van Ontploffingstuigen) dispatched a specialised team from their Mechelen headquarters 25 kilometres away. The unit arrived within 28 minutes carrying Type EOD9 protective suits rated for high-explosive threats, x-ray scanners, and disruptor cannons.

Technicians conducted preliminary visual inspection followed by remote-controlled robotic arm examination. The device measured approximately 30 centimetres in length with visible wiring and metallic casing. No immediate detonation risk presented during initial assessment.

DOVO commander declined comment on device characteristics pending forensic analysis, citing operational security protocols.

Public Prosecutor’s Office Confirmation

Antwerp public prosecutor’s office spokesperson Pieter Devalk issued an official statement at 12:15 p.m. verifying the explosive nature of the found object. The office coordinates all explosives-related incidents under Belgian federal jurisdiction. Laboratory examination scheduled at the Federal Judicial Police forensic centre in Brussels.

Prosecutors opened a preliminary file under Article 386 of the Penal Code covering possession of prohibited explosives. No suspects identified at time of reporting. Parallel investigations probe potential links to prior regional incidents.

Street Closure and Traffic Management

Ramstraat remained fully closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic from Cogels Osylei to Van Straelenstraat, spanning 450 metres. Antwerp Mobility installed 16 concrete barriers supplemented by water-filled blockades. Drone surveillance monitored perimeter integrity.

Motorists received real-time updates via Waze and Google Maps integrations. Velo bicycle sharing stations within the zone suspended operations affecting 120 bikes. Delivery services redirected to collection points outside cordon.

Expected reopening targeted for late evening pending device neutralisation and site clearance.

Zurenborg Neighbourhood Impact Assessment

Zurenborg, part of Antwerp’s fashionable Cogels-Osylei UNESCO buffer zone, houses 8,500 residents across 19th-century mansions and modern apartments. Ramstraat functions as a primary east-west connector carrying 3,200 vehicles daily. Closure disrupted school runs for 420 pupils at nearby Koninklijk Atheneum.

Local businesses reported 65% revenue losses during closure hours. Café owners distributed free coffee to displaced residents at assembly points. Community Facebook groups coordinated pet care for evacuated households.

No injuries occurred during the incident response.

Evacuation Procedures and Resident Support

Police executed door-to-door notifications using multilingual teams fluent in Dutch, French, Arabic, and English. Vulnerable populations including elderly residents and families with infants received priority transport via municipal minibuses. Medical checks cleared all evacuees at reception centres.

Sint-Jans Hospital standby teams prepared for potential casualties, though none materialised. Red Cross volunteers distributed blankets, water, and charging stations to 89 gathered individuals.

Re-entry protocols established post-DOVO clearance with identity verification at checkpoint stations.

Historical Context of Antwerp Explosives Incidents

Antwerp recorded 247 explosives-related callouts during 2025, averaging 20 monthly. DOVO neutralised 134 devices including wartime remnants and illicit fireworks. Zurenborg registered three similar findings since 2022, all hand grenade relics from World War II.

The city’s strategic port status contributes to occasional smuggling discoveries. Federal police maintain 24/7 DOVO rapid response capability within 15-minute radius.

Forensic Examination Protocols

Recovered devices undergo disassembly at the National Forensic Institute in Brussels. Spectrographic analysis identifies explosive compounds such as TNT, RDX, or PETN. Fragment pattern reconstruction determines origin as military surplus, commercial, or improvised manufacture.

Serial number tracing cross-references NATO stock databases and INTERPOL watches. Digital forensics extract any embedded electronics or timers.

Prosecutors anticipate full report within 72 hours barring contamination issues.

Police Security Perimeter Operations

Antwerp Police Federal Division deployed 42 officers including K9 explosives detection units and marksmen. Robot dogs equipped with thermal imaging patrolled peripheral zones. Counter-drone systems activated over 1km radius.

Incident command established at mobile HQ 400 metres from find site. Real-time liaison maintained with port authority given proximity to Scheldt waterway.

Media Management and Public Information

Police media centre issued four updates through afternoon via press releases and social channels. Live ticker operated on antwerpen.be reaching 187,000 unique views. Traditional outlets received pooled access under embargo.

Journalists accommodated at designated media village 250 metres distant with wifi and power provisions.

Municipal Emergency Coordination

Antwerp city emergency cell activated Phase 2 protocols coordinating 11 services including fire brigade, civil protection, and AWSA water utility. Mayor Bart De Wever received hourly briefings per charter requirements.

€18,500 budgeted for operational costs covering overtime, equipment depreciation, and resident reimbursements.

Neighbouring Districts Traffic Diversions

Closure impacted 7,800 daily commuters rerouted via Berchem station corridors. Cyclists directed to protected lanes along Statiestraat. Parking restrictions expanded across three zones accommodating 1,200 vehicles.

TMVA public transport authority substituted 14 bus shuttles operating 5-minute frequencies.

Explosives Ordinance Disposal Techniques

DOVO standard procedures include controlled detonation within reinforced containers, hydraulic disruption, or chemical neutralisation. Ramstraat site lacked facilities for on-site blasting, necessitating transport to EOD range.

Vehicle convoy under armed escort transferred device following neutralisation. Route avoided schools and high-density zones.

Community Reassurance Measures

Local alderman for security Annemie Pennincx scheduled neighbourhood briefing for January 16 evening. Free property safety assessments offered to 150 adjacent households. Digital alert subscriptions promoted via municipal app.

85% resident satisfaction recorded in post-incident survey conducted at reception centres.

Federal Government Response Protocols

Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden tasked Federal Police with cross-regional pattern analysis. Justice Ministry allocated specialist prosecutors experienced in 137 prior explosives cases.

Cabinet cell activated for strategic oversight given international port implications.

Technical Specifications of Response Equipment

DOVO deployed two Talon tracked robots weighing 30kg each with 7-degree-of-freedom manipulators. X-ray systems generated 4K resolution imaging through 20cm steel shielding. EOD9 suits provided 48-hour air supply and blast resistance up to 7kg TNT equivalent.

Long-term Security Implications

Incident prompts review of 27km Zurenborg sidewalk network for similar hazards. Municipal council debates expanded CCTV coverage targeting 85% street saturation by 2028. National explosives strategy updates scheduled for Q2 2026 legislative session.