Belgian news in brief, 8 July 2005

17 injured in horrific bus smash

A bus accident on the A54 Nijvel-Charleroi motorway resulted in 17 people injured, four of whom seriously. The bus missed the entrance to the E42 motorway at Thiméon at about 3.30pm on Friday and split into two. One part of the bus came to rest on the road, leading to long traffic delays. The Wizz Air bus was carrying tourists to the Charleroi Airport, newspaper ‘De Standaard’ reported.

New law for flood compensation

Anyone with fire insurance will soon be protected against natural disasters in Belgium after Parliament approved new legislation. The new law will allow fire insurance to include insurance against disasters such as floods, broadcaster VRT reported. Previously, victims could only apply for compensation from the government’s disaster fund if their area was designated as a disaster zone.

Missing teen girls found

Two teenage Belgian girls have been found safe in Rotterdam after going missing on 27 June. Police issued a missing notice on Thursday afternoon, but the 16-year-old Daniela Petrovic and 17-year-old Lizabeta Lazic were found later that night. The girls, of Rupelmonde (Kruibeke) were last seen at a bus stop in Melsele.

Antwerp, the fashion place to be

Joining Paris, Milan and New York, Antwerp is now also “the place to be” for the fashion conscious, newspaper ‘The New York Times’ has reported. The US paper has advised New Yorkers to book a ticket to the fashion and clubbing mecca of the moment. It said the beautiful historic city centre, night life and Belgian beers are reason enough for a visit. Plus, Antwerp is also home to the internationally renowned fashion designers, the Antwerp Six.

Subject: Belgian news