Maasmechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A gas explosion on Steenkuilstraat in Maasmechelen destroyed 2 houses, killed a 38-year-old man, and left his girlfriend missing. Damage is widespread; the cause is likely a gas leak.
AS VRT News reported that on Monday, June 24, 2025, around 7 p.m., a big gas explosion happened on Steenkuilstraat in Maasmechelen, Belgium. 2 houses were totally destroyed, and other buildings and cars were badly damaged. The explosion was so strong that things flew across the street, breaking windows and hitting cars.
Emergency teams came quickly, and people nearby were told to leave because of the strong gas smell. The gas and electricity were turned off for safety, and firefighters and police made the area safe. Many people were scared and confused, describing a loud bang and the chaos that followed.
“We try to save what can be saved inside and clean up broken glass.”
The neighbour who lives across from the collapsed house
What caused the Maasmechelen blast that destroyed 2 homes and left 1 dead?
A woman living nearby said she was told to leave her home right away:
“My husband was out, and the police told me to go. I can’t believe it… The bang and the damage left me speechless.”
Others in the area felt the same shock. Later, people whose homes were okay could go back, but the damage was still clear.
An expert will now look into what caused the explosion, likely a gas leak, but the exact cause is still being checked. The incident has upset the community, which is now dealing with the destruction and the emotional impact.
The explosion in Maasmechelen caused both physical and emotional damage. One neighbour said her home was badly damaged:
“The windows are broken, the walls have cracks, the gate is damaged, and so is the car. We’re waiting for the insurance.”
She and her family are trying to clean up and find order. Despite the shock, people are helping each other, assessing the damage from the explosion that changed their quiet neighbourhood.
A 38-year-old man died in the Maasmechelen explosion. He lived in one of the collapsed houses with his girlfriend, who is missing. Police are still trying to find her. The owners of the house were away when the explosion happened. The 2nd house destroyed was empty at the time, but officials are still checking. An expert is investigating the cause, with a gas leak as the possible reason.
