Construction workers have made an extraordinary discovery in the Belgian city of Dendermonde, uncovering a hidden hoard of gold bars and coins estimated to be worth around €9 million (approximately US$10.4 million).
The discovery was made during renovation work at a historic property in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, where workers were carrying out underground construction related to a sewer project.
According to reports, an 18-year-old student working as a labourer was among those involved in the work when the crew discovered the hidden valuables. The hoard was concealed inside a wall of an old cellar beneath the building.
49 gold bars and hundreds of coins discovered
The remarkable find included 49 gold bars along with numerous gold coins and other valuables. The discovery reportedly began when workers came across gold while working beneath the historic building.
The workers immediately reported the discovery to authorities rather than removing the valuables from the site.
The gold was subsequently collected, inventoried and transferred to a secure government facility while authorities investigate its origin and ownership.
Mystery surrounds the treasure
Authorities are now investigating how the gold came to be hidden at the property and who originally owned it.
The building is associated with CAW Oost-Vlaanderen, a social welfare organisation. Reports suggest the property was formerly connected to a wealthy brewing family, and investigators are examining whether the treasure may have belonged to the family.
The legal ownership of the discovery has not yet been determined, and potential claims will have to be assessed under Belgian law.
Authorities warn treasure hunters
The discovery has also attracted public curiosity, prompting authorities to warn people against entering the construction site or attempting to search for additional valuables.
Officials have stressed that the discovered treasure has already been secured and that unauthorised access to the site is prohibited.
The extraordinary find has meanwhile become a talking point in Belgium, with investigators now focused on uncovering the story behind the hidden fortune and determining who can legally claim it.
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