**Tragedy Strikes Ukrainian Family in Belgium**
A devastating incident has shaken the community of Haasrode, Belgium. Two members of a Ukrainian refugee family were found dead with stab wounds after their home was set on fire in a deliberate attack.
Lilia, a 46-year-old mother, and her six-year-old daughter Anna, were pronounced dead at the scene after firefighters responded to a blaze at a former rectory-turned shelter for refugees. Emergency services brought the fire under control by 10:20 a.m., but it was too late to save the two victims.
**A Family in Exile**
The family had been living in Belgium for three years, fleeing Ukraine due to the ongoing war. Lilia’s husband remains on the front lines in Ukraine, fighting for his country. Their 16-year-old son was at school during the attack and is now receiving care from authorities.
**Community Mourns Loss**
The community has come together to express its grief over the loss of young Anna. Acting mayor Francis Van Biesbroeck praised the rapid response of emergency services and support staff, but acknowledged that “the death of a young child affects an entire community, and certainly also the school.”
Father Mykola Paliukh of the Leuven parish described the incident as “a tragedy,” noting how the family had fled Ukraine in search of a better life. “They were hoping to build a new future here, but instead they were struck by such a tragedy,” he said.
**Investigation Underway**
The Leuven prosecutor’s office has opened a double murder investigation into the deaths and arson attack. An autopsy is scheduled for June 10 to determine the exact cause of death. Fire experts have confirmed that the blaze was intentionally set, leading prosecutors to launch a formal investigation into double homicide.
As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, the community remains in shock. The loss of Lilia and Anna will not be forgotten, and their memory will serve as a reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent families.
