Workers replacing a sewer line in Belgium made an astonishing discovery after uncovering gold coins and nuggets worth around $14 million, or more than Rs2.5 billion, beneath the foundation of a building.
The incident took place in Sint-Gillis-Dendermonde, Belgium, where workers were replacing a sewer line during the renovation of a building.
While removing the foundation to install new pipes, they noticed something sparkling beneath the surface. At first, they thought they had found one-euro coins, but they soon realized the objects were made of gold.
According to Mario, the workers’ manager, “I looked closely and picked up the gold. We then started digging and found more coins and gold nuggets. It was an incredible experience.”
He said it was the first time in his 33 years of construction work that he had encountered anything like it.
An 18-year-old student among the workers said they initially could not believe what they had discovered because finding gold was the last thing they expected.
An assessment later determined that the treasure was worth around $14 million (more than Rs2.5 billion).
Unfortunately for the workers, they could not keep the treasure and had to hand it over to police. It is currently being held by a charitable organization.
It remains unclear who originally owned the gold, although the building was once owned by a wealthy family.
Under Belgian law, the original owner can claim such a treasure within five years. If no claim is made, the treasure will be divided between the person who discovered it and the property owner.
