A fatal fire in a 10-storey residential building in Antwerp, Belgium, has left at least five people dead and several others injured
The incident occurred on Wednesday 2 July at a block of flats on August Vermeylenlaan in the Linkeroever district of Antwerp. Emergency services were alerted shortly before 10:00 local time following reports of a fire originating on the ground floor, believed to have been caused by a technical fault.
Firefighters faced challenging conditions as the blaze developed, with thick smoke quickly compromising escape routes and visibility. A spokesperson for the Antwerp Fire Department explained the difficulties faced, saying: "When our teams arrived, they already saw a thick plume of smoke. It was clear that it was an intense fire. Firefighters are currently still working to get everyone out. We do not know how many people are inside or how many need to be brought out."
Fire crews conducted a full evacuation of the building, moving residents to a nearby emergency shelter while advising those in surrounding properties to keep windows and doors closed due to smoke in the area.
Police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens confirmed that “at least 5 people have died in the fire,” while a “significant number of seriously injured people” and others with minor injuries were also reported. Many casualties were affected by smoke inhalation rather than direct flame exposure, reflecting the rapid spread of smoke through the building, which housed more than 200 residents across 80 flats.
Antwerp Mayor Els Van Doesburg described the incident as “a pitch-black day” for the city, with approximately sixteen people injured, though none are believed to be in life-threatening condition.
Eyewitness accounts highlight the difficulties faced by residents attempting to escape. One occupant described being unable to evacuate due to smoke conditions: “We tried to get down on our own, but we couldn't manage it anymore. We barricaded ourselves in our apartment and waited on the terrace.” Firefighters later rescued trapped residents using ladders and rope systems.
Another resident recalled the rapid escalation of the fire: “I opened the door, and I could smell the fire… could see small flames were coming.” Emergency responders deployed significant resources to the scene, including more than ten fire engines and specialist teams, while a medical emergency plan was activated to manage casualties without overwhelming local hospitals. Residents were also housed in a nearby reception centre while firefighters tackled the blaze.
The fire service confirmed that thick smoke and poor visibility significantly complicated firefighting operations, with crews required to search the building flat by flat for potential victims. Firefighters later reported the blaze had been brought under control by the afternoon, though search operations continued amid concerns the number of fatalities could rise.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences, stating his “thoughts are with the victims and the evacuated residents of the terrible fire on Linkeroever,” and praised emergency services “who are striving to help the many affected people as quickly and safely as possible.”
Bastiaens went on to confirm that investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the blaze.