Turnhout (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The court gave four defendants either prison suspension or financial penalties after the gas explosion that killed in Turnhout. The judge confirmed during the proceedings that the fatal explosion originated from an improper connection on the gas stove.
Four accused defendants received suspended prison sentences combined with fines for their involvement in the deadly Turnhout gas explosion that killed four people and injured others. A gas stove connection failure released gas, which led to the explosion based on official court findings. The retail chain Vanden Borre escaped responsibility for any wrongdoing in the case. The installer, along with the subcontractor and two other companies, were convicted of unintentional killing and assault by demonstrating inadequate care.
According to the court, there is indeed unintentional killing and intentional assault and battery due to a lack of caution.
“Any mistake, no matter how small, can imply a lack of care. The mistake of one defendant does not exclude the responsibility of others.”
Installing a gas stove is
“technically relatively simple”
and
“does not require any legal certificates.”
However, the court says, everyone involved has a duty to
“exercise the necessary care and professionalism”.
“The explosion was due to an incorrect connection of the stove, in which the installer incorrectly removed a metal cap and incorrectly connected the hose.”
“These shortcomings are directly related to the gas explosion and its tragic consequences,”
It concludes.
The installer is given a suspended two-year prison sentence and a fine of 800 euros.
“He made a major error in judgment, but his professional activities are not related to quick money. He did not want the consequences.”
“He has learned lessons from this,”
Says his lawyer, Thibaud Delva.
“He has not done any risky installations since the facts.”
The subcontractor is given a one-year prison sentence, also suspended, and a fine of 800 euros. “He is working and trying to recover.” His company is also given a fine of 24,000 euros, half of which is suspended.
The fourth defendant, the company that coordinates the installations and subcontracting for Vanden Borre, is given a fine of 240,000 euros, half of which is suspended. “
The victims are left with mixed feelings, says lawyer Thomas Meireleire.
“My clients have lost both parents, their children their grandparents. The decision does not bring those people back. The conviction is an important signal, in our opinion the only logical decision.”
“However, it is particularly painful to learn that the installer can continue his work. It seems as if nothing has happened. It is distressing to note that there are no legal training requirements in our country. It is to be hoped that this tragedy will provide a legal framework to prevent such a drama in the future.”
What is the history of gas safety regulations in Belgium?
Gas incidents that occur infrequently have demonstrated that safety regulations in Belgium need improvement. Gas installation operators face no mandatory professional standards in Belgium because the government depends on broad safety guidelines and ethical conduct by the professionals. Such incidents replicate previous fatal gas installations that stimulated requirements for enhanced supervisory measures.
The recent years have brought increased pressure for enhanced safety protocols, particularly in homes across Belgium. However, enforcement efforts remain erratic. Building on the events of Turnhout, the global community must create a complete legal infrastructure that requires gas installation experts because this will protect innocent citizens from further disaster.
