Multiple deaths in major fire at Antwerp apartment building: here’s what we know so far

©Matt C via Unsplash

On Wednesday morning, several people died in a major fire at an apartment building on August Vermeylenlaan on Linkeroever in Antwerp. Police confirm that there are also several people with serious and minor injuries, while fire crews were still searching the building for victims as of this afternoon.

The fire broke out around 9:53 a.m. on Wednesday and, according to the fire department, occurred on the eighth floor of the ten-story building. The exact cause of the fire remains unclear at this time. The exact death toll and number of injured will become clear in the course of Wednesday.

Climbing teams also deployed

Around noon, the fire was not yet fully under control, though according to the Antwerp Fire Department, it was unable to spread further. The priority now is to evacuate residents and locate any victims. “We have found more people,” said fire department spokeswoman Marie De Clercq on GVA, who also emphasized that climbing teams are being deployed to check hard-to-reach areas.

According to the police, the medical emergency plan is in effect, and an operational coordination phase has been initiated to centrally manage the response. Victims are being treated on site or transported to the hospital, while those with minor injuries are being cared for at a nearby care center.

Search for 200 Residents

The apartment building has more than 200 residents and is being fully evacuated. Meanwhile, fire departments from other regions have also been called in to provide assistance. Footage shows a large plume of black smoke visible from a distance, while residents were helped to escape via balconies and windows.

The cause remains unclear for now, though possible work on the roof and the electrical panel is being considered as part of the investigation. A fire investigator and the forensic lab have been called in to determine the exact circumstances. It will take the next few hours—and perhaps even days—to safely search the building and assess the full extent of the disaster.

©Matt C via Unsplash - illustrative image