Apartment fire in Anvers: At least 5 dead

At least five people have died in a fire that broke out in a 10-story apartment tower in the city of Anvers, Belgium. Police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens stated that the fire started on Wednesday morning, the death toll has not yet been finalized, and it is too early to determine the number of injured. Local media had previously reported six deaths, but this figure was later revised downward. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and the investigation is ongoing.

Reuters reporters saw fire crews lowering building residents down with ropes. Witnesses stated that police and fire crews arrived at the scene shortly after the fire started in the morning, and recounted being trapped inside. Jaklien Heeren, 80, who lives on the fifth floor, said she felt lucky. "I tried to go down, opened the door, and smelled the fire. I saw small flames coming, then I went outside and I don't remember anything after that moment. I went outside and I was lucky," she said. Heeren stated that she managed to save her dog but could not reach two of her neighbors.

Geert Dewulf, who lives on the tenth floor, told Belgian broadcaster VRTNWS, "We tried to go down on our own but couldn't. We barricaded ourselves in our apartment and waited on the terrace. About 10 minutes later, the fire department rescued us from the terrace with a ladder." During the fire, many residents were trapped in their apartments until police and fire crews arrived. Authorities called on residents in the nearby area to keep their doors and windows closed to avoid being affected by the smoke.

A large number of fire crews, ambulances, and other emergency teams from different regions responded to the fire. Belgian Prime Minister and former mayor of Anvers Bart De Wever said in a post on his X account, "My thoughts are with the victims." In recent weeks, a series of major fires had occurred in Belgium, including a warehouse fire in Brüksel. As authorities investigate the cause of the fire, there are concerns that the death toll may increase.

The fire caused widespread panic in Anvers, and local residents watched the incident in horror. The numerous fire trucks and ambulances dispatched to the scene also affected traffic in the surrounding area. Police announced that the investigation into the cause of the fire was ongoing and that efforts were continuing to clarify the death toll. Work was also initiated to identify those who lost their lives in the fire.