The new Diamant Boart factory under construction near Brussels, Belgium, was victimized by the tragic explosion of a public gas transportation pipeline running through the Ghislenghien Industrial Area on July 30. Diamant Boart's management sadly announced that five employees died as consequence of their heavy burns, and another 12 staff members are still in the hospital as of press time, with four of them being in very serious condition. Additionally, five staff members were reported to have left the hospital and are recovering at home.

Diamant Boart's management has been ensuring immediate financial, administrational and psychological support. “Our thoughts are with those deceased and their families and loved ones; and our best wishes go to those still under medical treatment,” said Anders Stroby, Managing Director. The blast also affected the newly constructed factory building. Since the move of production was still under preparation, however, only a limited number of employees were on site at the time of the explosion.