Belgian news in brief, 6 April 2006

Five hurt in Charleroi shooting

Five people were slightly injured in a shooting at the café ‘Le Pacific’ on the Rue Turenne in Charleroi at about 7am on Thursday. An armed man entered the building and fired multiple times, injuring five people. He then fled the scene, but was later arrested. None of the injured victims is in a life-threatening condition. Initial investigations indicate the shooting was linked to drugs and illegal immigration.

Cable ‘thief’ electrocuted

A 41-year-old man was electrocuted on Wednesday when he is suspected to have tried to steal cables from a high-voltage cabin. The man used a crowbar and screwdriver to gain access to the cabin, the Charleroi public prosecutor said. He was electrocuted, probably when he tried to cut some cables loose.

Cruise control proves dangerous

A 51-year-old Antwerp man was injured on Wednesday night when he fell asleep at the wheel of his car. The vehicle hit a truck on the A27 motorway in the Netherlands. The man told Dutch police the car was on cruise control and he had fallen asleep. He suffered head, foot and chest injuries. The truck driver was unhurt.

Subject: Belgian news