Brussels Statue Gets Restored, Then Broken One Day Later By Drunk Tourist
Photo 39000060 © Viorel Dudau | Dreamstime.com
Mankind is once again to blame for the destruction of animals. Only this time, the victim is a stone lion.
The Brussels Stock Exchange reopened on Saturday following a three-year renovation totaling €90 million (US$96 million). Alas, it didn’t take long at all before one of its restorative efforts crumbled.
The very next day, an Irish tourist hopped onto the lion statue located outside the monument and filmed himself trying to ride the sculpture. As the visitor climbed down the lion, he placed too much weight on a torch held by the figure next to the beast, causing the object to break off.
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The revamped venue will host cultural events like performances and exhibitions, and it’s also the site of the Belgian Beer World Museum. It’s unclear if a merry visit to this place had emboldened the allegedly intoxicated tourist to ride the statue.
The culprit went on to dine at a fast-food restaurant, where he was arrested by law enforcement. He is now expected to foot the statue’s repair bill of €17,600 (US$18,809). Per local news reports, the man said he was unaware of the severity of his actions.
It will take a few weeks or months before the statue returns to its intended form again, a spokesperson tells Belgian news outlet VRT NWS.
[via VICE, Newshub, BBC, cover photo 39000060 © Viorel Dudau | Dreamstime.com]
