Deadly Apartment Blaze Kills Five, Injures Many in Belgium’s Antwerp

Antwerp-At least five people were killed and numerous others were injured after a fire swept through a high-rise apartment building in the Belgian city of Antwerp on Wednesday, prompting a large-scale emergency response and evacuation of the residential complex.

The blaze erupted during the morning in the Linkeroever neighborhood, home to a 10-story apartment block housing more than 200 residents. Thick smoke engulfed the building as firefighters and emergency crews worked to bring the fire under control.

Antwerp police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens said at least five people had died, while a significant number of others sustained serious injuries. Additional residents suffered minor injuries.

Authorities evacuated the entire building and advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed and switch off ventilation systems because of heavy smoke.

Police said firefighters faced difficult conditions due to the intensity of the blaze. Multiple emergency response teams, police units and a specialized drone team were deployed to assist rescue operations.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Bastiaens said preliminary information indicated the blaze began on the ground floor, and forensic investigators were examining the site to establish its origin.

A regional medical emergency plan was activated to distribute casualties among hospitals and prevent any single medical facility from becoming overwhelmed.

Images from the scene showed residents trapped by smoke seeking refuge on balconies and at open windows before being rescued.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences to the victims and evacuated residents, praising firefighters and emergency personnel for their efforts to rescue those affected and contain the fire.

Linkeroever, a densely populated residential district of Antwerp, is known for its high-rise apartment buildings and its location adjacent to one of the city’s major public parks.