Mayur MohtaA deadly blaze ripped through a tall residential building in Belgium’s Antwerp on Wednesday morning. Several people lost their lives, and firefighters are still battling the raging fire to reach more victims.
A devastating fire broke out Wednesday morning in Antwerp, Belgium, killing several people. The blaze erupted in the Linkeroever district, sending thick dark smoke billowing from the 10-storey building.
Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen (GVA) reported multiple deaths and several seriously injured. The residential building is 10 stories tall and houses more than 200 people.
Terrifying video footage shows dark smoke rising from the multi-storey building, which holds around 200 residents.
Residents scrambled to escape the fast-moving fire. One gripping clip showed a man climbing over his balcony railing into a neighbouring window to flee the flames.
The scene outside was deeply disturbing for those who witnessed it firsthand. “I myself saw people being revived, people being carried out lifeless,” an eyewitness told GVA, calling the incident “terrible.”
Firefighters worked under incredibly challenging conditions. The fire was still not under control, making rescue operations extremely dangerous. “The smoke spreads quickly and easily between floors and rooms. This makes it more difficult to search for and evacuate people,” said spokesperson Marie De Clercq.
The fire department is still searching for more victims inside the building. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties.
Belgian police confirmed the deaths to local media. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially disclosed. Rescue teams continue working as updates on the situation emerge.
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
