2023-09-10 03:21:28
Firefighters from the Hainaut Center emergency zone were called around two in the morning. The smoke was visible from the motorway and the “route d’Ath” (RN56). They had to call for reinforcements because the fire was, from a technical point of view, difficult to put out. “The places are far from the roads. It is impossible to attack the flames from inside the castle, which is already partially in ruins. The fight is not at all effective and lasts a long time. There are around thirty men on site. explains Captain Benoit Filippi. “We have three tank trucks, a pumper, a ladder truck, several command vehicles, logistical support so as not to dehydrate us…”
The damage is very important. “It will be a total loss. The roof has collapsed, the floor of the 1st floor is falling through, only the facades will remain.”.
The site being located right next to a hotel-restaurant (the Monte Christo), the fire made local residents and motorists who passed by fear the worst. No one was injured “and no evacuation took place”, specifies the Captain. “The occupants of the hotel are safe, confined inside, a measure made easier by the time at which the disaster broke out.”
For the moment, no information on the origin of the fire. An investigation will have to determine it. But since the site was abandoned (since 2005…), the electricity was cut inside the building. The castle was regularly frequented by squatters. He was also known by fans of “Urbex”.
Operations will certainly continue in the morning this Sunday, or even later in the day. This risks causing traffic problems on the Mons-Ath axis, which is always very busy on weekends (notably by visitors to the Pairi Daiza park).
Built in 1860, the castle has had several destinies. Family owned until the 1980s, it later became a luxury hotel with a high-end restaurant. There was also talk of making it a wellness center. The estate, and its 15 hectares, was then put up for sale.
1694323964
#Mons #fire #destroys #Château #Cense #Bois
