Deadly fire in Belgian apartment building kills at least 5

At least five people died in a fire that engulfed a 10-story apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium, on July 1, 2026. Emergency services rushed to the scene as flames and smoke billowed from the structure, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

Firefighters utilized ladders to evacuate residents trapped in their apartments, with some survivors describing being stranded on balconies as they awaited help. One 80-year-old resident, Jaklien Heeren, recounted her escape, stating she smelled smoke and saw flames before fleeing the building. She was fortunate to escape with her dog, but expressed concern for two neighbors who did not answer their calls.

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I tried to go downstairs, opened the door and smelled smoke. I saw small flames coming out, then I ran out, and I don't know what happened after that. I escaped, I was lucky.

Another resident, Geert Dewulf, who lives on the 10th floor, described how he and his family were unable to descend the stairs. They sealed themselves in their apartment and waited on the balcony for approximately 10 minutes before firefighters rescued them using a ladder. The fire department's swift response was crucial in preventing further casualties.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, a former mayor of Antwerp, expressed his condolences on social media. The incident is under investigation, and authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of injured individuals. This fire follows a series of significant blazes in Belgium in recent weeks.

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We tried to go downstairs ourselves, but it was no longer possible. We sealed ourselves in the apartment and waited on the balcony. About 10 minutes later, firefighters rescued us from the balcony using a ladder.