Construction workers find $10 million gold stash in renovations

A routine renovation project in the east Flemish town of Dendermonde, Belgium, led to an extraordinary discovery when construction workers unearthed a hidden treasure trove of gold bars and coins. The workers immediately alerted the police upon finding "a large quantity of gold" while engaged in groundwork for a sewerage system.

“

a large quantity of gold

Photographs shared by the local police department revealed approximately 50 gold bars and piles of gold coins, estimated to be worth around nine million euros ($10.4 million). The haul was found concealed within the cellar walls of a house belonging to a local charity, CAW East-Flanders. One worker described the initial reaction as "disbelief, amazement," stating they "certainly hadn't expected to find gold."

“

first reaction was actually disbelief, amazement.

Authorities swiftly secured the valuable find, transferring it to a high-security federal government vault. The police department, which humorously changed its profile picture to a gold coin, issued a warning to potential treasure hunters, emphasizing that the site is fenced off and visits are "truly pointless." The discovery has sparked considerable public interest, with many curious about the origins and ultimate ownership of the gold.

“

We certainly hadn't expected to find gold.

As of now, the legal owner of the substantial treasure remains undetermined. The police post expressed a hope that "this treasure ends up in the right hands," leaving the resolution of this unexpected windfall open.

“

inventoried and secured as quickly as possible in a high-security vault belonging to the federal government services.