man in elektrische rolstoel in brand gezet op druk plein in utrecht
Utrecht, dinsdag, 14 april 2026.
Een man in een elektrische rolstoel is middags op het Smaragdplein in Utrecht in brand gestoken. Het gebeurde rond 15.30 uur op een drukke plek, vlak voor een supermarkt. Getuigen zagen hoe een onbekende een brandende folder gebruikte. De rolstoel en kleding van het slachtoffer vatten snel vlam. Hij liep zware brandwonden op aan armen, rug en hoofd. Omstanders reageerden snel en trokken hem uit de stoel. Ze probeerden het vuur te blussen met een brandblusser. De politie is een grondig onderzoek gestart. Er zijn nog geen aanhoudingen. Het motief is onduidelijk. De agenten roepen getuigen op zich te melden. Mensen die het zagen, kunnen slachtofferhulp krijgen.
brutal attack on busy square
A man in an electric wheelchair was set on fire at Smaragdplein in Utrecht on Tuesday afternoon. The incident occurred around 15:30 near a supermarket, during peak shopping hours [1]. Witnesses reported seeing an unknown individual approach with a burning folder, which quickly ignited the victim’s clothing and scooter [4]. The attack took place in front of the Plus supermarket, a location frequented by shoppers and bystanders [3][4]. Emergency services responded swiftly, but the scene left deep psychological scars on witnesses [4].
victim suffers severe burns
The victim sustained serious burns to his arms, back, and head during the attack [1][3][4]. He remained conscious and was able to leave the vehicle with help from bystanders [4]. Immediate cooling measures were applied before paramedics arrived [1]. First responders worked urgently to stabilize him at the scene before transporting him to hospital [3]. According to police, the man lives with a disability that limits his mobility, necessitating the use of an electric scooter [1][3]. His age and identity have not been released publicly [4].
eyewitnesses intervene rapidly
Several bystanders acted quickly after the ignition, pulling the man from his scooter [4]. One witness attempted to extinguish flames using a fire extinguisher from a nearby cafeteria [1][3]. Others assisted in applying initial burn treatment until emergency crews arrived [1]. Surveillance footage reportedly captured parts of the event, aiding investigators [4]. Some witnesses described prior tension between the suspect and victim, though no motive has been confirmed [4]. Local residents expressed shock at the brazen nature of the assault [3].
police launch intensive investigation
Law enforcement immediately launched a criminal inquiry involving forensic units and detectives [1][4]. The area surrounding Smaragdplein was partially cordoned off for evidence collection [1]. Authorities confirm one or more suspects fled the scene on foot [1][3]. The district research team has taken over the case due to its severity [4]. Police cite low staffing levels as a challenge in canvassing potential witnesses [3]. They urge anyone with information to come forward through official channels [3][4].
community reacts with outrage
Local residents have voiced anger and disbelief over the violent act [1][3]. Many emphasize the vulnerability of individuals reliant on assistive devices in public spaces [4]. Shop employees noted the victim had previously been seen begging in the area [4]. The Salvation Army confirmed he was among their clients, though personal details remain protected [4]. Mental health support has been offered to those who witnessed the trauma firsthand [1][4]. Calls are growing for increased security measures at urban transit hubs like Smaragdplein [1].