Eight construction workers in Dendermonde, Belgium, discovered gold coins and bars worth €9 million (about $10.5 million) while renovating a building. The find occurred when a drill bit reportedly struck a gold bar beneath the structure. Police inventoried and sealed the haul under camera surveillance and have launched an investigation to determine how the hoard got there and who legally owns it. Officials say any use of the funds will be decided through legal proceedings.
Construction Crew Strikes €9M Gold Cache During Belgian Renovation
Gold bars line the table after they are discovered by construction workers in Belgium. - Police department Dendermonde/Facebook
Eight construction workers renovating a building in Dendermonde, about 19 miles (30 km) northwest of Brussels, uncovered a stash of gold coins and bars valued at €9 million (about $10.5 million) last Tuesday, authorities said.
The discovery happened while a crew was carrying out drilling and refurbishment work beneath the structure. According to Patrick Feys, chief of the Dendermonde Police District, 'apparently, during drilling operations, the drill bit got stuck — hitting a gold bar.'
Police Secure and Inventory the Find
After the workers alerted the property owner, police were called to the scene. Officers conducted a careful inventory of the haul under camera surveillance at the police station and sealed the items to prevent future disputes, the chief said.
Belgian police show a bucket full of gold coins. - Police department Dendermonde/Facebook
Photos posted on the Dendermonde police Facebook page show a metal bucket filled with gold coins and a table laid out with gold bars.
Investigation Ongoing
A police investigation is underway to determine how the hoard ended up beneath the building and who holds legal ownership of the treasure, the Associated Press reported. The outcome of legal proceedings will decide any eventual use of the funds.
'I hope they can use it to fund a worthy cause, though that will be determined by further investigation and legal proceedings,' Feys told broadcaster VTM.
Authorities have not released further details about the origin of the gold or any suspects. The case remains under active investigation.
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