tiener overleeft molotovaanval in anderlecht
Anderlecht, donderdag, 5 februari 2026.
Een 15-jarige jongen uit Anderlecht is bijgekomen uit een kunstmatig coma na een brute aanval met een molotovcocktail. Zakaria liep zware brandwonden op aan zijn rug, benen en handen. Hij sprong in een kanaal om het vuur te doven. Getuigen redden hem uit het water. De aanleiding was een ruzie tussen tienergroepen over iets banaals. Drie verdachten zitten vast. Zakaria herinnert zich weinig maar spreekt al met zijn ouders. Hij moet maanden blijven in het ziekenhuis. Artsen verwachten dat hij blijvende littekens en pijn zal houden. Het incident werpt een hard licht op de oplopende jeugdcriminaliteit in stedelijke gebieden.
teenager survives arson attack in anderlecht
In Anderlecht, Belgium, 15-year-old Zakaria has emerged from an induced coma following a violent assault involving a Molotov cocktail [1]. The attack occurred on Friday, January 31, 2026, near Biestebroekkaai, where Zakaria sustained severe third-degree burns to his back, legs, hands, and head [2][3]. After being doused in flammable liquid and set ablaze, he jumped into the Brussels-Charleroi Canal in a desperate attempt to extinguish the flames [4]. His life was saved by friends who pulled him from the water before he could drown [5].
medical condition and recovery prospects
Zakaria remains hospitalized at the military hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek under close medical supervision [1][4]. He suffers intense pain and faces five to six additional surgeries during his prolonged rehabilitation process [3][6]. Doctors expect lasting physical consequences including permanent scarring and chronic discomfort due to sensitive skin tissue [5]. Though still unable to walk, Zakaria has regained consciousness enough to recognize his parents and communicate briefly with them [1][7]. Medical staff continue monitoring his progress amid concerns over potential psychological trauma stemming from the event [alert! ‘psychological impact inferred based on typical trauma cases’].
circumstances leading to the attack
The assault followed escalating tensions between two teenage gangs whose rivalry had persisted for approximately one year [5]. According to witnesses, the confrontation originated from a trivial disagreement interpreted as threatening behavior—specifically, a soda can toss perceived as hostile [5]. On the evening of January 31, 2026, eight youths approached Zakaria’s group of six armed with knives and ignited devices [5]. One assailant circled the group on an electric scooter before hurling the Molotov cocktail onto Zakaria’s back, shouting “Burn him now!” moments prior to ignition [5]. Authorities classify the crime as attempted murder [4].
investigation and arrests
Belgian law enforcement has detained three minors aged 14, 15, and 16 in connection with the attack [1][4]. Two suspects voluntarily surrendered to police; the third appeared before juvenile authorities on February 4, 2026 [5]. All were remanded to De Grubbe, a secure youth detention facility in Everberg, for thirty days pending further investigation [4][5]. Prosecutors are determining each individual’s level of involvement, particularly regarding premeditation and coordination among the attackers [5]. A fourth suspect remains unidentified and at large, prompting continued public appeals for information [3].
community reaction and broader implications
The brutal nature of the attack shocked residents across Brussels and sparked national debate about rising youth violence in urban neighborhoods [1][2]. Zakaria’s mother, Najat Allahih, expressed disbelief that such extreme cruelty stemmed from what she described as a senseless quarrel [5]. She emphasized gratitude toward her son’s friends calling them heroes for rescuing him from drowning [5]. Local officials face mounting pressure to address systemic issues fueling gang conflicts among adolescents, especially concerning access to weapons and radicalized peer dynamics [alert! ‘specific policy measures not yet reported in sources’].