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Six Workers Killed in Brussels Oxy Tower Renovation Fire

Prosecutors say flames that moved into elevator shafts caused the deaths and a labour-led investigation and technical inspections are now under way.

Overview

  • Rescue teams recovered six bodies from an elevator shaft after a small fire on the second floor of the Oxy Tower spread into lift shafts during renovation work.
  • About 200 construction workers were evacuated from the central Place de Brouckère site and two burn victims were taken to Neder-over-Heembeek military hospital.
  • Firefighters and labour prosecutors described the incident as a complex rescue because flames propagated along elevator shafts and debris blocked access to the cabins.
  • Officials confirmed the deaths late Tuesday and said the second lift area has not yet been fully inspected as forensic and technical teams probe the accident dynamics.
  • The Oxy Tower conversion, a high-profile project running since 2023, has prompted city support services for survivors and relatives and could trigger safety reviews of construction and lift work across Brussels.