Melle (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire in Melle destroyed Norbert Impens’ meat company warehouse, damaging equipment like 3 refrigerators for 200 pigs. Norbert, a 79-year-old, is determined to rebuild with insurance help. No one was injured.
As VRT News reported, an industrial fire in Melle, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, caused heavy damage, hitting both the starting site and a nearby business. The manager is still dealing with the shock and loss from the fire, but wants to focus on moving ahead instead of blaming others.
He said he does not blame the company where the fire began.
“I don’t think anyone meant for this to happen,”
He said.
“So, I don’t want to point fingers.”
He also said it’s important to be grateful that no one got injured, even though the damage was big.
“Hopefully, I can build a new warehouse and restart our meat company.”
Manager Norbert Impens
How will Norbert Impens rebuild after the fire destroys the meat warehouse?
Despite the big setback, Norbert is determined to rebuild his business. He said he will work with his insurance company to get compensation. He plans to build a new warehouse and start the business again.
The public prosecutor’s office said the fire was most likely an accident and there was no sign of foul play. Officials also confirmed that asbestos did not spread to nearby gardens but stayed only on the company’s property.
What impact did the fire have on Norbert Impens’ long-standing meat business?
The meat company was started in 1948 by Norbert Impens, who is now 79 years old. In 1978, Norbert and his wife took over and worked hard to keep the business alive. He mentioned that they put in many long hours. The fire destroyed his warehouse completely. Norbert said losing it felt like losing a child.
They mentioned that the warehouse held important equipment, including 3 big refrigerators used to keep meat fresh. These refrigerators could store as many as 200 pigs. They were mostly empty when the fire started, so the company did not lose all its stock.
