On Friday morning, Dentergem was struck by tragedy as two residents of the Mariaburcht nursing home were killed, and a third was critically injured during what is initially believed to be a stabbing incident. The shocking event unfolded around 3:30 AM, awakening the night shift staff to chaos as they discovered the aftermath.
According to local authorities, the nursing home had three residents involved—two of whom did not survive the ordeal. The perpetrator, whose identity has not been confirmed, has been apprehended for questioning by the police. The suspect is also a resident of the nursing home, raising questions and concerns about safety within such facilities.
Mayor Koenraad Degroote, attending to the situation early Friday, expressed his shock at the events. “These are mature adults, all nineties,” he told reporters, emphasizing the vulnerability of the individuals involved. He remarked on the supportive atmosphere at the center, stating, “The staff is quite shaken up but is being well cared for. Management is directing everything and those impacted are supporting one another.”
Details about the incident are still coming to light, as West Flanders public prosecutor’s office reported they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. They indicated the necessity of securing the crime scene and appointing forensic experts to gather evidence. “We want to examine precisely what happened,” the prosecutor’s office stated but refrained from confirming the exact nature of the attack until more information is available.
The victims, both female residents of the nursing home, were engaged with the facility’s routine before they tragically became victims of this unthinkable event. The surviving resident, also believed to be over ninety, was transported to the hospital, where she is reportedly fighting for her life. Friends and families of the residents quickly arrived at the nursing home upon hearing the news, creating a scene of concern and grief outside the facility.
Anneleen De Roo, the assistant director of the nursing home’s managing group, Curando, conveyed the distress experienced by staff and expressed the organization’s commitment to the well-being of their residents. “We are obviously deeply affected by what has occurred. Our first priority is to care for the residents and their families,” said De Roo. She confirmed they have activated additional staff to manage the situation and have offered psychological support to those who need it.
Staff members have described the scene as chaotic, stating the emergency response was swift as police arrived at the establishment shortly after the events unfolded. Kristine Bultinck, who has worked at Mariaburcht for over thirty years and is currently employed there as part of the flexible job staff, recounted her immediate feelings of disbelief when witnessing the police activity firsthand. “We initially thought there was a break-in,” she stated. “But what happened is far worse. My heart goes out to our colleagues. Everyone is deeply affected by this.”
Despite the tragic events, the nursing home reportedly maintains high standards and is well-regarded within the community. Locals voiced their shock at this incident occurring within such a reputable establishment. Dentergem’s mayor highlighted the importance of community support during such difficult times, urging local residents to check in on one another.
Directly across the street, the local school named De Ruimtevaarder has continued with classes, albeit keeping students away from the nursing home to avoid distress. Director Bjorn Desmet confirmed they are monitoring the situation to maintain the safety and well-being of students and staff.
Investigations are expected to continue for the upcoming days as authorities work closely with the nursing home management to evaluate how to prevent such incidents from recurring. Dentergem remains centrally focused on healing and supporting those impacted by this tragedy as the community processes the aftermath of the harrowing event.
Families of residents have been kept informed throughout the day, with many parents rushing to the nursing home to seek information and support for their loved ones. The outpouring of compassion and concern within the Dentergem community is palpable, as residents assess how to navigate their fears and uncertainties generated by the attack.
At this time, the municipality has urged anyone directly affected or distressed by the situation to seek help. The local administration is prepared to provide counseling and resources to members of the community struggling after this tragic loss.