Kruisem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 41-year-old Romanian man died during demolition at Kruisem’s former Ontex factory. Labour Auditor’s Office and the welfare inspectorate launched an investigation into safety rules and working conditions.
As VRT News reported, a 41-year-old Romanian man died during demolition work at the former Ontex textile factory in Kruisem, in the province of East Flanders, Belgium, the Labour Auditor’s Office confirmed. The accident happened late in the afternoon, Nov 7, 2025, while workers were dismantling the abandoned factory.
What caused the death of a 41-year-old worker at the Kruisem Ontex factory?
Emergency services arrived immediately, but the man could not be saved. The demolition site has been secured for investigators to examine the area. Work has been temporarily paused while the Labour Auditor’s Office checks safety procedures and compliance with regulations.
“While sawing through a pipe, the man apparently made a sudden backward movement, after which he fell from a great height,”
according to the Labour Auditor’s Office. Emergency services arrived on the scene, but all help came too late for the Romanian worker.
“We have seized the location and are now conducting an investigation together with the welfare inspectorate into the circumstances of the accident and whether there has been a violation of the rules and working conditions.”
The former Ontex textile factory in Kruisem was part of Nyobe Belgotex, a longtime textile company in the region. The company went bankrupt in August 2025, leaving the factory unused. Demolition work started shortly after to clear the site for future redevelopment.
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