On Wednesday, April 16, 2025, a false bomb alert caused significant disruption at the Palace of Justice in Namur and the nearby University of Namur (UNamur). The alarm was triggered by the discovery of a suspicious package among evidence items in the courthouse registry.
According to initial reports from L'Avenir, the package was opened around midday and contained objects that raised suspicions of possible explosives. Consequently, authorities acted swiftly to ensure public safety. The building was evacuated, with both staff and users directed to the nearby Place Saint-Aubain. In addition, the neighboring UNamur buildings were also evacuated as a precautionary measure.
As the situation unfolded, police and firefighters arrived on the scene, establishing a security perimeter that restricted access to Rue Lelièvre and Rue Graffé. The construction work on the pedestrian zone in Rue Lelièvre was suspended, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Bomb disposal services were called in to manage the package, and experts arrived on site around 1:15 PM. The police of Namur confirmed that the device was cleared by approximately 1:30 PM. However, the alert was not lifted until around 1:45 PM, when it was confirmed that no explosives were found.
In a detailed account of the events, it was noted that police vans had arrived at UNamur around 12:30 PM. The faculty of medicine was evacuated first, followed by a complete evacuation of the university. Reports indicated that a suitcase filled with ammunition was discovered within the Palace of Justice, further heightening the necessity for swift action.
As the bomb squad conducted their checks, members of the university community were temporarily confined outside. Fortunately, by 2:00 PM, officials confirmed that the incident was indeed a false alarm, and no explosive devices were present. Classes at UNamur resumed normally, and the situation returned to order.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and rapid response in matters of public safety. While the alert turned out to be unfounded, the precautions taken by law enforcement and emergency services ensured that no harm came to individuals in the vicinity.
Residents and students alike expressed relief at the resolution of the situation, although the disruption to their day was significant. "It was quite alarming to see so many police and emergency services here," one student remarked. "I'm just glad it turned out to be a false alarm, but I appreciate how seriously they took it."
The Namur police have since reiterated their commitment to ensuring public safety and have encouraged the community to remain vigilant in reporting any suspicious activity. As the events of April 16 unfolded, it became clear that while the discovery of a suspicious package can cause panic, the swift action of emergency responders is crucial in maintaining safety and order.