A worker from the citric acid manufacturer Citribel, in Tienen, assaulted two superiors and a colleague on the company site on Friday afternoon when he learned that his contract was not renewed. One of the three victims is in serious condition, site security manager Emmanuel Raskin said on Monday evening, confirming information from the Het Nieuwsblad newspaper.
The worker appeared on Friday for an assessment interview conducted by two managers. When he learned that he was not being reappointed, the man physically attacked his superiors, seriously injuring them, Mr. Raskin said. The worker then went to his department and assaulted a colleague. The latter was still in serious condition on Monday, said the security official, for whom it is a “senseless” act of violence.
“We have never had to deal with such a situation before. The whole company is in shock,” commented Emmanuel Raskin.
The man had been working for the Tirlemont company for about two years.
Citribel has approximately 350 employees.
The prosecution, aware of the facts, declined to comment.