The vehicle was torched by the attackers. Five people were arrested nearby but were released after questioning; the police are looking for the attackers.
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The institute is part of Belgium’s federal justice system.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing thick black smoke coming from the building before fire crews descended on the scene in the early hours of the morning.
The Brussels Institute of Criminology, which is linked to the ministry of justice and carries out forensic analysis on criminal cases, is in Neder-Over-Heembeek, a suburb to the north of the Belgian capital.
“It’s probably not terrorism”.
“The possibility of a terrorist act is not confirmed”, Van Wymersch said in a separate statement. “I can not confirm that there was any bomb”.
Some 30 firefighters helped put out the resulting fire at, which media said suffered “significant” damage but caused no casualties.
Ms Van Wymersch said the location was not chosen randomly and the lab contains sensitive information being used in ongoing investigations. Explosives inside the auto then detonated, causing a fire.
Fire service spokesman Pierre Meys told Agence France-Presse the “extremely powerful” blast “was probably not accidental”. Windows of the lab were blown out dozens of metres away’.
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The incident comes as Belgium remains on high alert following suicide attacks on the city’s airport and metro in March which were claimed by the Islamic State group. Numerous attackers had links to Belgium. Brussels is also home to many European Union institutions.
