A construction crew in Belgium recently unearthed a significant cache of gold, estimated to be worth $10.4 million, while undertaking work to install a new sewer system beneath a disused brewery, local authorities have confirmed.
Police officials in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, a Flemish municipality situated near Brussels, reported that the workers promptly notified them of the discovery. Following their protocol, officers documented the precious metals before transferring them to a high-security federal government vault for safekeeping.
Initial Discovery and Reaction
Kobe, an 18-year-old worker involved in the project, recounted to VRT news that his initial impression was that the gleaming objects were merely one-Euro coins.
"Our first reaction was actually disbelief, surprise. Of course, we didn't expect to find gold,"
Kobe stated. He explained that the crew had been tasked with removing a section of the building's foundation to prepare for the new sewerage pipes. “When we did that, we suddenly saw something lying around,” he added, describing the moment of discovery.
Project leader Mario described the experience as a "crazy feeling."
"They shouted, 'We found gold,'"
Mario recalled, referring to his team. He continued, "I went to look and took the gold in my hands. We also continued to dig up new coins and bars. Only then did what we had found really dawn.”
He subsequently contacted his superior and then the local police.
Legal Implications and Community Hopes
Despite the exciting discovery, the construction workers will not be able to retain the gold themselves. Belgian legislation stipulates that the legitimate owner holds the right to claim the treasure within a five-year period from its finding.
When questioned by VRT about whether he considered keeping the gold, Mario responded,
"It's about so many coins and bars, that almost wouldn't be possible. Besides, it would also be theft."
Kobe, however, expressed his hope for a finder's fee. “That would be nice,” he commented.
The property where the gold was discovered is owned by an organization dedicated to providing welfare support to the Flemish community. According to reports, the director of the welfare organization expressed a desire for the gold to be utilized to address the "enormous need we experience daily" within the community.
Site Security and Public Warning
Local police have issued a caution to potential treasure hunters, advising them against attempting to visit the site. They emphasized that it remains a fenced-off construction area containing "several dangerous pits" and confirmed that all the discovered gold has been safely removed.
Police officials further conveyed their hope:
"We hope this treasure ends up in the right hands and that this unexpected discovery positively changes many lives!"
