46-year-old resident escaped with a dog at a house fire but is now in critical condition in the burn center (Houthulst)

The heavy fire occurred at 1.53 am in the Zegestraat in Houthulst, in the center of the municipality. When the emergency services came to report, the house was already lit. The fire brigade posts of Houthulst, Langemark-Poelkapelle and Staden went on the spot, just like the police, an ambulance and a MUG team. « Upon our arrival, the house was already in light, » says firefighter Kristof Louagie of the Westhoek fire brigade. « The resident and his dog were able to leave the house themselves. During the fire extinguishing works, the Zegestraat was closed to traffic. » The house burned out completely. Also Friday morning the fire brigade still had to return to the house because remains started to smolder again.

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After further investigation, it appears that the fire was in all likelihood caused by a gas explosion. The 46-year-old resident could still leave his home, but was seriously injured. He was initially transferred to the Jan Yperman Hospital in Ypres, but there turned out to be his condition. The man sustained heavy burns and was therefore quickly transferred to the burn center of the UZ in Ghent. His situation is currently being considered criticism there. In the meantime, the police conducted a neighborhood investigation and it shows that it may be a gas explosion. Neighbors heard a bang and there is also some damage to a few cars and near the neighbors.

The public prosecutor of West Flanders has not appointed a fire expert. After investigation by the fire brigade and interrogations, it is clear that it is a gas explosion and there is no harm intent in the game. The explosion had an accidental cause. The victim is currently in the hospital in the hospital. (JHM)