Several killed and injured in fire at Antwerp apartment building

A fire erupted in a 10-storey residential building in Antwerp's Linkeroever district shortly before 10:00 local time (08:00 GMT) on Wednesday, Belgian authorities have reported. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the eighth floor, according to witness footage. Police stated that more than 200 people live in the building and that the bodies of several victims have already been recovered.

Resident Geert Dewulf told Belgian public TV that thick smoke prevented him from leaving his apartment. He and his family barricaded themselves inside and waited on the balcony. Firefighters rescued them using a ladder about ten minutes later. Dramatic video showed a man climbing from his balcony through a neighbor's window to escape the smoke.

Firefighters conducted door-to-door searches for potential victims, as smoke had spread rapidly throughout the building, hampering evacuation. Another resident reported that his parents-in-law, including former Antwerp mayor Bob Cools, were successfully evacuated and taken to hospital. He added that they were unable to save the family cat.

The cause of the fire remains unclear, though witnesses told De Standaard newspaper that work was being carried out on the roof. Antwerp fire brigade spokeswoman Marie de Clercq described the blaze as complex, with poor visibility and thick smoke making extinguishing efforts difficult. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his condolences to the victims and evacuated residents.