6 Injured As Driver Plows Van Into Cafe Terrace In Belgium, Suspect Arrested

A man drove his minivan into the seating area outside a busy cafe in central Brussels on Friday afternoon, injuring a total of six people. The driver, who is yet to be identified, abandoned the vehicle and then fled the scene of the crime. He was later captured and arrested by police in the northern port city of Antwerp.

The Mayor of Brussels, Philipe Close told Le Soir that the van was traveling at an extremely high speed, with the driver appearing to be intent on ramming down the terrace of the cafe. Police said that it is unknown whether the driver had any true intentions of targeting any specific person among the diners. Prosecutors on the other hand said that it is not yet clear whether the incident was a real accident or an intentional action.

According to The Sun, bystanders and dining locals were forced to jump out of way, avoiding the speeding van, before it crashed into the restaurant. Disturbing images of the incident were posted online showing chairs and tables scattered about.

A spokeswoman from the Brussel’s prosecutor’s office said information regarding the incident is still in the gray as the investigation is in progress. Inquiries are currently being made and the motives of the suspect are yet to be determined. The spokeswoman added the evidence is reminiscent of attacks committed in the past but it is too soon to say if the incident was an actual targeted attack. The possibility of it being a mere accident also bears strong.

Belgium's terrorism tracking Coordination Unit for Threat Analysis raised the threat level in the capital from “medium” to “serious” for a short period. The terror level was later reduced back to medium after authorities found "reassuring elements in their investigation".

The road where the incident occurred leads to a busy shopping district where tourists and locals alike gather. Eyewitness reports from local news outlets said that they were simply sitting on the terrace that was abuzz with people when a white van came charging at high speed, swerving left to right, causing them to jump against the wall. They also added the driver hit a second terrace on the opposite street and then drove off.

All six of the injured were treated for minor injuries and no fatalities were reported. The area remains taped and restricted by the police as they continue their investigation of the scene.