Haasrode (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A fire in Haasrode, Belgium, killed a 46-year-old woman and her 6-year-old daughter, both stabbed by the woman’s son, a student at VT Leuven. Support teams aid classmates; a condolences book was opened at the town hall.
As VRT News reported, a fire erupted in an apartment in Haasrode, Belgium, early Friday morning, June 6, 2025, prompting an emergency response around 9:30 AM. The apartment, located on Milsestraat, was being used to shelter Ukrainian refugees. Firefighters discovered the bodies of a 46-year-old woman and her 6-year-old daughter inside the residence.
Despite immediate attempts to revive the young girl, she could not be saved. Further investigation revealed that the woman’s son confessed to fatally stabbing both his mother and sister before intentionally setting the fire that led to the grim discovery.
“We are deeply affected by the news of the family drama,”
Says the director of general policy, Thomas Donceel.
How is VTI Leuven supporting students after the Haasrode tragedy?
After the incident, the focus shifted to supporting the son’s classmates, who were deeply affected by the news. Beginning Friday afternoon, a specialised support team, including external partners like IDEWE and CLB, started offering care and supervision. This team is working to help the students process the traumatic event, providing a safe space for them to express their feelings.
The organisations are actively answering the students’ questions and addressing their concerns, recognising that each child may respond to the tragedy differently. They mentioned that the goal is to create a supportive environment where students feel comfortable sharing their emotions and receive the necessary guidance during this challenging period.
The school is taking steps to protect students from harmful reactions. They are asking the public to stay calm and show respect when discussing the news. The school urges everyone not to spread rumours or guess about what happened, as this can cause more pain. They are also asking people not to contact students, staff, or parents directly.
The local community is also being given a way to show their support and express their condolences. A special book has been set up at the Haasrode town hall. People can write messages of sympathy there during open hours.
The acting mayor of Oud-Heverlee, Francis Van Biesbrock, said the death of the child has deeply affected everyone, including the school. The book is a place where people can come together and share their feelings of sadness and support during this tough time.
