Fire in Antwerp Apartment Tower Kills at Least Six

Overview

• A fire broke out on the eighth floor of a ten-storey residential tower in Linkeroever, Antwerp, prompting an evacuation of more than 200 residents and large emergency mobilization.
• Authorities confirmed at least six people died and said several others were injured while searches and rescue operations continue at the scene.
• Emergency teams used ladders, ropes and high-angle techniques to remove residents from balconies and the building's exterior during the morning response, an action Reuters and witnesses described.
• Residents reported a power cut, fast-moving smoke in corridors and people sheltering on balconies as crews carried out rescues and medical teams treated the wounded.
• Officials have not determined the cause and plan a formal probe once resuscitation and search operations finish; the incident follows a recent string of serious fires in Belgium that has raised public concern.