Emergency: Several dead found after building fire in Brussels
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Multiple fatalities were discovered in a building fire in downtown Brussels.
- Victims were found inside an elevator in the building, which is currently under renovation.
- Six people are reported missing, and authorities fear more victims may be in another inaccessible elevator.
A fire in a downtown Brussels building undergoing renovation has led to the discovery of multiple fatalities, with authorities confirming that lifeless individuals were found inside an elevator. The exact number of victims and their identities remain unknown, but six people are currently unaccounted for.
The exact number of victims and their identity was initially not known. Six people were considered missing.
According to a fire department spokesperson, the blaze started as a small fire on the second floor of the Oxy building early in the morning. Firefighters responded and extinguished the initial flames. However, the fire later spread through the elevator shaft, leading to a more significant blaze that was eventually controlled.
Prosecutors have stated that the victims were found after the fire was put out. Access to another elevator in the building is currently restricted, and officials have not ruled out the possibility that additional deceased individuals may be located there. Approximately 250 workers were reportedly on site at the time of the incident, as elevators were being installed in the building.
The prosecutor could not rule out that further dead might be in this elevator.
Two workers sustained burns and were transported to a hospital for treatment. A firefighter suffered from heatstroke during the firefighting efforts. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close described the event as a "drama that deeply touches" and pledged support for those affected, while commending the rescue teams for their work. The Oxy building is being transformed from a former administrative center into a multifunctional complex including offices, restaurants, a hotel, and residences.
It is a drama that deeply touches.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.