At least 5 killed in Antwerp apartment tower fire

A devastating fire ripped through a 10-story apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium, on Wednesday, July 1, claiming the lives of at least five residents. Emergency services rushed to the scene as the blaze took hold of the tower, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of being trapped inside their apartments as smoke and flames spread. Jaklien Heeren, an 80-year-old resident, described her escape as "lucky," managing to get out with her dog. Geert Dewulf, who lives on the top floor, explained how he and his family barricaded themselves in their apartment and waited on the terrace for rescue by fire ladder after being unable to descend.

“

I tried to go down, I opened the door and I could smell the fire. I could see small flames were coming, and then I went out, and from then, I know nothing any more. I went out and I was lucky.

Multiple fire brigades, ambulances, and emergency crews responded to the incident. Police advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed to protect themselves from the smoke. While the exact number of injured individuals has not yet been confirmed, authorities are actively investigating the cause of the fire. The incident follows a series of severe fires that have occurred in Belgium in recent weeks.

“

We tried to get down on our own but we couldn't manage it any more. We barricaded ourselves in our apartment and waited on the terrace. About 10 minutes later, the fire department came to rescue us from the terrace with their fire ladder.