Brussels construction site fire leaves six dead in blocked elevator shaft
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BRUSSELS — At least six people were killed and two injured after a fire tore through a building under renovation in central Brussels, with emergency crews later discovering the victims’ bodies inside a blocked elevator shaft.
The fire began on the building’s second floor in a busy shopping district before rapidly spreading into the lift shaft, trapping multiple elevators and complicating rescue efforts. Authorities evacuated 250 workers from the site as firefighters struggled to reach the blocked shaft.
Thermal cameras and sniffer dogs deployed
Brussels mayor Philippe Close said emergency teams used thermal cameras and sniffer dogs to locate victims inside the structure. He praised the rapid coordination between firefighters, police, and rescue workers, saying their swift response likely prevented an even greater tragedy.
National leaders visit scene; investigation ongoing
Belgium’s King Philippe and Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited the site hours after the fire, meeting with emergency personnel. Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was “shocked” by the incident and expressed condolences to the victims’ families.
Authorities have not yet identified the victims, and forensic teams continue to examine the elevator area where the bodies were found.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
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