Antwerp fire sees 5 people dead in apartment building blaze as 200 evacuated
Fire crews in Antwerp, Belgium, were called to a major blaze at an apartment building on August Vermeylenlaan in Linkeroever as police have sadly confirmed there have been multiple fatalities
At least five people have reportedly been killed after a horror blaze at an apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium.
Around 200 people have already been evacuated but fire crews fear many may be trapped inside the building on August Vermeylenlaan in Linkeroever. The incident began at 9:53am this morning (July 1) as fire crews were called to reports of a fire inside the building.
Local police have tragically confirmed that multiple fatalities have been reported but refused to provide exact figures at this time.
However, VTM NIEUWS is reporting that five people have died with some publication in Belgium claiming it has since risen to six fatalities. As well as those killed in the horror blaze, several others have reportedly been injured.
The search for additional victims is also still underway is also still currently underway as the Medical Disaster Plan has been put in place. This is only put in place when a major incident has occurred and additional resources are required.
It was initially believed the fire began on the tenth and highest floor of the building. However, on investigation, it reportedly began on a floor lower.
Fire crews are yet to officially confirm due to the ongoing battle with the blaze and poor visibility inside. Footage from the scene also shows people stood at windows waiting for rescue.
According to Belgium publication De Morgen, former Antwerp mayor Bob Cools and his wife were residents in the building and were safely evacuated.
Marie De Clercq of Fire Zone Antwerp, said: “At 9:53 a.m., we were called out to a fire in an apartment building on Linkeroever. When our teams arrived, they already saw a thick plume of smoke. It was clear that it was an intense fire.
“Firefighters are currently still working to get everyone out. We do not know how many people are inside or how many need to be brought out.”
She later added: “It is a very extensive firefighting operation; at the moment, there are more than 10 fire engines at work. We are receiving assistance from the Waasland Emergency Zone, Fire Zone Rand, and Emergency Zone Rivierenland. The Civil Protection is also on site.”
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