Powerful Fire in Belgium, 5 Dead and Dozens Injured in Antwerp, Residents Try to Escape from Balconies

At least five people have died and dozens more have been injured as a result of a major fire that broke out on Wednesday morning in an apartment building in the Linkeroever area of Antwerp, Belgium.

The flames engulfed the 10-story building, where more than 200 people lived, forcing authorities to carry out an immediate evacuation. According to official data, some of the residents suffered serious injuries and were taken to hospital, while others received first aid at the scene.

“Shortly before 10:00 in the morning, a fire broke out in an apartment building on August Vandermeylelaan, in Linkeroever. It quickly became clear that this was a serious fire. There are several seriously injured people and several others with minor injuries, who are receiving medical treatment at the scene. Unfortunately, there are also victims. At the moment, firefighters are continuing to check the building to see if there are still people inside,” said Kim Bastien, spokesperson for the Antwerp district police.

Early reports said the fire had started on the 10th floor, but firefighters later clarified that the source of the blaze was on the 8th floor. By the time the first teams arrived at the scene, much of the building was engulfed in thick smoke.

A disturbing video filmed at the scene shows a man climbing down from the balcony of his apartment to the window of a neighboring flat in an attempt to escape the heavy smoke.

“This is a very complex fire. The flames are not yet fully under control, but their spread has been stopped. This is a positive development”, said a spokesperson for the Antwerp Fire Department.

Meanwhile, emergency teams are continuing their checks inside the building and are also relying on the residents’ list to determine whether there are still people left inside.

“We have found other people. Our rescue team has also been deployed to evacuate residents independently, using special equipment and fire ladders,” authorities said.