Fatal Fire Breaks Out at Oxy Tower Construction Site
Several people have died after a major fire at the Oxy Tower, a building under construction in central Brussels. Authorities said at least six people were reported missing after the incident on Tuesday.
Emergency crews quickly controlled the fire, but firefighters later discovered that flames had spread through the lift shafts of the building. Two lifts became trapped during the incident, creating difficult conditions for rescue teams.
Victims Found Inside Lift Shaft
Firefighters managed to open one of the lifts and discovered several victims inside. Officials have not confirmed the exact number of people who died.
Brecht Speybrouck, spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor’s Office, said the victims could include the six people reported missing. He also warned that more victims could be found in the second lift or other parts of the building.
Recovery teams began removing the bodies from the lift shaft. Officials said the operation would take several hours because of heavy debris and unsafe working conditions inside the site.
Rescue Teams Face Difficult Conditions
The mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, praised emergency workers for their efforts during the rescue operation. He said firefighters and other teams worked under extremely challenging conditions.
Two people were taken to hospital with serious burns, according to local reports. A firefighter also received treatment at the scene after exposure to intense heat.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. The reason behind the blaze remains unknown.
Officials Visit Fire Site
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium visited the location after the incident to observe the situation and meet emergency workers.
The Oxy Tower is currently being built and is expected to include residential apartments, a hotel, restaurants, and bars after completion.
The construction site is located around 500 metres from Brussels’ famous Grand Place, one of the city’s most important historic landmarks.
Investigation Continues After Brussels Fire Tragedy
Officials will continue searching the building and examining the site to determine how the fire started. Rescue teams are also checking whether additional victims may still be inside the damaged lift shafts or other areas of the tower.
The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at large construction projects as authorities work to understand the cause of the deadly fire.
