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At least five dead in fire at Antwerp apartment building, say police
BBC • • world
Key Points:
- A fire in a 10-storey apartment block in Antwerp's Linkeroever district has resulted in at least five deaths and multiple injuries, with thick smoke seen billowing from the eighth floor.
- The building houses over 200 residents, many of whom were evacuated or rescued by firefighters using ladders from balconies due to the rapid spread of smoke.
- Firefighters conducted door-to-door searches for victims amid challenging conditions caused by poor visibility and dense smoke throughout the building.
- The cause of the fire remains unknown, though witnesses reported roof work was underway at the time of the incident.
- Among those rescued was former Antwerp mayor Bob Cools, who was taken to hospital along with others; some residents also reported losing pets in the blaze.
