Multiple fatalities have been confirmed following a catastrophic fire that tore through a tower block in the Belgian city of Antwerp. Emergency crews launched a large-scale rescue operation after flames erupted on the eighth floor of a 10-storey residential building in the city's Linkeroever district on Wednesday morning.
Evacuation and Emergency Response
Approximately 200 inhabitants have been led to safety from the block on August Vermeylenlaan, though fire chiefs fear additional people may remain trapped within. The alert was triggered at 9:53 a.m. local time on July 1, sparking a substantial emergency deployment featuring over 10 fire appliances and teams from adjacent fire brigades.
Marie De Clercq, of Fire Zone Antwerp, stated: "It is a very extensive firefighting operation; at the moment, there are more than 10 fire engines at work. We are receiving assistance from the Waasland Emergency Zone, Fire Zone Rand, and Emergency Zone Rivierenland. The Civil Protection is also on site."
Casualties and Ongoing Efforts
Officials confirmed the evacuation of the structure, which houses over 200 residents, continues as firefighters persist in scouring the smoke-laden premises. Antwerp police verified that multiple people had lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries in the inferno.
In a statement, police revealed the fire ignited on the eighth floor of the apartment complex in the Linkeroever area. Local residents have been advised to keep windows and doors shut due to thick smoke in the area. Authorities have also recommended turning off ventilation systems where feasible until the incident is resolved.
Investigation and Cause
Emergency services continue to attend the scene, and the cause of the blaze remains unknown at this stage. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the origin of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage.
