Deadly fire tears through Antwerp tower, killing several and injuring many

A fire tore through a 10-storey apartment block on August Vermeylenlaan in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district on Wednesday morning, killing several people and injuring many more as the building was evacuated. The local fire department received the call at 9:53 a.m., moments before the blaze took hold on the eighth floor of the tower, which is home to more than 200 residents.

Police warned people in the surrounding area to keep their windows and doors closed and, if needed, to switch off ventilation because of the smoke. Firefighters faced poor visibility and thick smoke as they worked to bring the blaze under control. Multiple fire brigades, first responders, police units and a specialized drone team were deployed to the scene.

Residents were trapped by smoke as the fire spread through the building. Geert Dewulf said he and others barricaded themselves inside their flat and waited on the balcony until firefighters rescued them by ladder. Another witness said relatives, including former Antwerp mayor Bob Cools, were evacuated and taken to hospital.

Prime Minister Bart De Wever said his thoughts were with the victims and the evacuated residents of the "terrible fire" in Linkeroever. The cause remained unknown, even as witnesses said work was being carried out on the roof. The search for any further victims was still ongoing as crews worked through the smoke-filled tower.