Authorities said the missing people could be trapped in another lift inside the Brussels OXY Tower that firefighters have so far been unable to reach as rescue efforts continue
Several people have been found dead inside a lift after a devastating fire tore through a luxury tower block in the heart of Brussels.
Emergency crews made the grim discovery at the OXY Tower on Tuesday after flames spread into a lift shaft following a fire inside the building. Officials have not yet confirmed exactly how many people have died.
The Labour Division of the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that multiple fatalities had been found, while six people remain unaccounted for. Authorities said the missing people could be trapped in another lift that firefighters have so far been unable to reach as rescue efforts continue.
The blaze broke out on the second floor of the mixed-use building on Tuesday morning. Although firefighters quickly extinguished the initial fire, flames spread into the lift shaft, sparking a second fire inside one of the lifts. That blaze has also since been brought under control.
Two people with burn injuries were taken to the Military Hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek for treatment, while a firefighter suffering from heatstroke was treated at the scene. Investigators are still working to establish what caused the fire.
Construction workers from the OXY building site were evacuated from the tower and taken to the staff canteen at the City of Brussels’ administrative centre, where support teams were waiting to help them.
Brussels Fire Brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw said: “Psychological support is being provided there by the Red Cross. In addition to the internal emergency plan, a medical response plan and a psychosocial support plan have also been put in place.”
The OXY Tower is a prominent development in central Brussels, containing apartments, restaurants and a rooftop bar.
Search teams remain at the scene as they continue trying to reach the inaccessible lift and account for the six people still reported missing. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the operation continues.
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