Antwerp Truck Driver Killed in Explosion During Roadside Inspection in West Flanders

While on his way to West Flanders on a mission, Ilias Rahou, 31, a truck driver from Borgerhout (Antwerp), was the victim of a serious work accident. Ilias noticed a problem with his vehicle near the Roeselare-Leie canal. While inspecting the engine, an explosion occurred, violently propelling the thirty-year-old. He suffered a serious head trauma and died on the spot. The young man leaves behind a wife and two young children aged 3 and 7 months.

Borgerhout is in shock since the announcement of the tragedy. "Ilias was someone who was very loved in the neighborhood, he had a heart of gold," says his cousin Samir Taif (28), a well-known youth worker in Borgerhout. "I could always go to him for good advice. He also made sure I kept both feet on the ground. It was his good advice when I had succeeded in something: always be yourself and always work hard. Anyone who knew him can only remember him positively."

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An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of the accident. Information confirmed by the public prosecutor’s office of the West Flanders department of Kortrijk. The semi-trailer has been temporarily seized for further investigation, it is specified.