Brussels concert honouring the victims of Belgium's worst mining accident

A musical concert will pay tribute to the victims of the worst industrial accident in Belgium at Brussels’ Cathedral of Saint Michael and Saint Gudula on 17 November.

The Bois du Cazier disaster took place in Marcinelle, Charleroi, 70 years ago. It occurred on 8 August 1956 and resulted in the death of 262 miners from 12 different nations.

Aimed at honouring the victims, the concert Revenir d’en bas is organised by the Brussels nonprofit Culture et Tourisme.

It consists of two parts, with first, the Baroque ensemble Eurydice and soprano Caroline Jestaedt performing the contemporary composer Clérambault’s cantata Orphée. Organist Xavier Deprez will then play the hymn Victimae Pascahali Laudes.

The second and longer section of the concert includes a one-man theatrical performance by Daniel Nicodème, Galibot. Written by David Delaloy, the text presents the perspective of a survivor of an explosion in a mine. The performance explores themes of resilience, memory and how disability is perceived — all delivered with a blend of humour and emotion.

A spokesman for the event told this site: “It promise to be a fitting and touching tribute to the people who lost their lives in this mining accident.”

Bois du Cazier tragedy

Out of 275 men who were working underground on the morning of he disaster, only 13 survived. Most of the 262 victims died of asphyxiation and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Due to post-war labour agreements, the majority of the victims were immigrant guest workers —notably 136 Italians, alongside 95 Belgians and workers from Poland, Greece, Germany and other countries.

The historic pit has been preserved and is now a museum and memorial site, recognised as part of Unesco World Heritage. The disaster forced a major overhaul of European labour standards and underground safety regulations.

Tickets are priced between €5 and €35. They can also be purchased on the evening of the event, subject to availability.

Revenir d’en bas
17 November, 20.00 (doors open 19.15)
Place Sainte-Gudule
Brussels