Firefighters Search Lift Shaft After Deadly Fire in Brussels Construction Site
Several people have died in a fire at a building under construction in Brussels on Tuesday, local authorities have confirmed.
The cause of the fire at the Oxy tower in the centre of the city remains unclear, with officials reporting that at least six people are missing.
Although the fire was extinguished quickly, firefighters discovered that it had spread to the lift shafts, where two lifts were trapped.
They managed to pry open one lift and found victims inside. Brecht Speybrouck, spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor's Office, stated:
"Several victims - we don't yet know exactly how many. It could be the six missing people, but there could also be more in the other lift, or elsewhere."
The mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, expressed gratitude towards the emergency services, commending them for their efforts under challenging conditions.
"The emergency services did an exceptional job in particularly difficult circumstances," said Close.
Prime Minister Bart De Wever arrived at the scene, and Philippe, King of the Belgians, is expected to visit later, according to Belgian outlet RTBF.
Local media reported that two individuals were transported to hospital with serious burns, while a firefighter received treatment on site after exposure to high temperatures.
The Oxy tower, still under construction, is planned to include flats, a hotel, restaurants, and bars upon completion.
It is situated approximately 500 meters (0.3 miles) from the Grand Place, Brussels' central Baroque square.
