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🇧🇪 Belgium /Disasters & Emergencies

Hundreds commemorate victims of fatal fire on Linkeroever

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Hundreds gathered on Linkeroever in Antwerp to commemorate five women killed in an early July apartment fire.
  • The silent vigil saw residents, friends, and local officials express solidarity and grief.
  • Officials are assisting displaced residents, with some apartments expected to be uninhabitable for at least six months.

A somber mood hung over Linkeroever in Antwerp as hundreds gathered for a silent vigil to honor the five women who perished in a devastating apartment fire earlier this month. The large turnout, comprising neighbors, friends, and local dignitaries, underscored the profound impact of the tragedy on the community.

It has deeply affected everyone.

— Article TextDescribing the community's reaction to the fire.

"It has deeply affected everyone," said Frank Michielsen, a former neighborhood police officer of 35 years, his voice thick with emotion. "You empathize with the residents you've known for so many years. It touches me."

District mayor Paul Cordy described the event as a "gigantic tragedy for Linkeroever," noting that many residents had lived in the building for decades and were deeply integrated into the neighborhood. "It hits the neighborhood to the core," he stated, while also acknowledging the "heartwarming" display of "much compassion and support."

I have been a neighborhood officer here for 35 years, so it is a very emotional event. You empathize with the residents you have known for so many years. It touches me.

— Frank MichielsenA former neighborhood police officer expressing his personal connection to the tragedy.

Emergency responders also attended the vigil. "We were here to provide help, and I find it important to be here today as well," said aid worker Gert Robberecht. "It is a human drama, and it affects all aid workers."

It is a gigantic tragedy for Linkeroever. These are people who have lived here for decades and are established in the neighborhood. It hits the neighborhood to the core. But there is much compassion and support. And that is heartwarming.

— Paul CordyThe district mayor describing the impact of the fire and the community's response.

Diane from Beveren, who witnessed the fire, shared her distress. "It was terrible. It has deeply touched me, and it will take a long time to process." The fire, which broke out on July 1st, originated on the ground floor of the 10-story building. While many residents have found new housing through personal networks, the mayor's office is assisting those without such options. Some apartments are expected to remain uninhabitable for at least six months, leaving a long road to recovery for those affected.

We were here to provide help, and I find it important to be here today as well. It is a human drama, and that affects all aid workers.

— Gert RobberechtAn aid worker explaining his presence at the vigil.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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