Multiple Fatalities Reported After Major Fire in Central Brussels Building

A serious fire in a central Brussels building has resulted in several fatalities and left multiple people injured, according to Belgian authorities. The incident occurred at the Oxy building, located at Place De Brouckere in the city's pedestrian zone, an area that houses both residential units and businesses. The building, which was undergoing renovation work, became the site of a large-scale emergency response on Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were dispatched after reports of a fire on the second floor. According to official statements, around 250 construction workers were present in the building at the time of the blaze. Firefighters arrived swiftly and began evacuation and firefighting measures.

The fire is believed to have originated in the second-floor area where renovations were underway, specifically in a location where new lifts were scheduled for installation. The flames quickly spread through the elevator shafts, reaching as far as the basement and turning the incident into a major operation for local emergency teams.

During their search, responders discovered several deceased individuals inside one of the building's elevators. Access to a second elevator remained restricted, and authorities indicated that further casualties could not be ruled out as rescue efforts continued. At least six individuals were reported missing in the aftermath of the fire, according to local news sources citing official information.

Three people sustained injuries during the incident, with two suffering burns severe enough to require hospitalisation. A firefighter was treated on the scene for heat exhaustion but did not require further hospital care. The rapid expansion of the fire and the presence of many workers posed significant challenges for first responders, who focused their efforts on the elevator shafts and cabins where individuals were believed to be trapped.

The area surrounding the Oxy building was cordoned off to facilitate emergency operations and ensure public safety. The building itself, once the administrative headquarters for Brussels' city government, now contains a mix of apartments, restaurants, and a rooftop bar. The ongoing renovation work had involved significant numbers of tradespeople, all of whom were subject to evacuation or rescue as the incident unfolded.

Survivors of the incident, including construction workers, were temporarily relocated to Brucity, Brussels' newly established administrative centre. There, they received psychological support from services including the Red Cross, in recognition of the traumatic nature of the event. Authorities have emphasised the importance of mental health services for those affected by the tragedy.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Initial reports have not indicated whether faulty equipment, human error, or other factors contributed to the outbreak. Officials stated that two elevators became stuck during the event, complicating rescue efforts and potentially increasing the number of victims.

The mayor of Brussels publicly expressed condolences to the victims, their families, and all those affected by the incident. He highlighted the scale of the tragedy and praised the efforts of emergency responders, who continued to search for missing persons and work to secure the site well into the day.

The incident has prompted a review of fire safety protocols and emergency response measures for renovation projects in multi-use buildings, particularly those located in densely populated urban centres. The investigation is ongoing, with updates expected as further details become available from local authorities.