Worker in life-threatening condition after aerial platform topples in Ghent

A worker was seriously injured in Ghent on Wednesday 28 October 2026 when an aerial platform (hoogtewerker) toppled over. The accident happened on the Floraliënlaan, next to the Citadelpark. The worker is in a life-threatening condition, according to HLN and VRT NWS.

According to HLN, the accident happened at around 13:15. A worker was driving the platform off a lorry when the machine tipped over and fell off the vehicle while it was being unloaded. HLN reports that the worker was in the work cage operating the machine when it fell.

Het Nieuwsblad and Gazet van Antwerpen report that the platform toppled onto the worker. VRT NWS, however, reports that the worker fell out of the tipping platform. VRT NWS says the victim was taken to hospital in critical condition.

According to HLN, the worker suffered several fractures, including an open arm fracture. The worker's name, age and employer have not been made public.

Investigation

The labour auditorate (arbeidsauditoraat) has been informed of the accident. This is the part of the public prosecution service that deals with workplace accidents and offences against labour law.

The Welfare at Work Supervision department (dienst Toezicht op het Welzijn op het Werk) has also been notified. This federal labour inspection service will investigate the circumstances of the accident.