Two dead in violent Schaerbeek fire

A devastating fire in Schaerbeek, Belgium, has claimed the lives of two individuals and left eight others injured, two of them critically. Firefighters responded to the blaze early Sunday morning, finding smoke already spreading into the street. The building, containing multiple residences accessed through a common entrance, was engulfed in flames, particularly in the stairwell furthest from the entrance.

Smoke penetrated apartments on the third floor through open doors and windows, trapping residents. Firefighters located four unconscious individuals in a third-floor apartment. They were evacuated down the stairs to the second floor and then rescued via a ladder truck before being handed over to emergency medical services.

The fire was extinguished around 3:10 AM. The exact cause remains unknown and is under investigation, with the public prosecutor's office and a forensic laboratory involved. The Schaerbeek commune has mobilized resources to assist displaced residents, offering temporary housing and establishing a reception center in collaboration with the Red Cross.

Mayor Martin de Brabant expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, stating, "Our first thoughts go out to the deceased victims, their loved ones, and all the residents affected by this tragic fire. The commune and emergency services are joining forces to provide everyone with the necessary medical, psychosocial, and practical support."

“

Our first thoughts go out to the deceased victims, their loved ones, and all the residents affected by this tragic fire. The commune and emergency services are joining forces to provide everyone with the necessary medical, psychosocial, and practical support.