FIVE DEAD, 16 INJURED IN ANTWERP HIGH-RISE APARTMENT FIRE

A massive fire ripped through a 10-story residential building in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district on Wednesday, leaving five people dead and 16 others injured.

The blaze broke out mid-morning, rapidly trapping many of the building's estimated 200 residents as thick, toxic smoke blanketed the upper floors. Emergency services launched a massive response, utilizing specialized ladder trucks and rope teams to rescue desperate residents from their balconies.

Death Toll Revised

Local authorities initially reported six fatalities but later revised the confirmed death toll down to five.

Of the 16 injured individuals transported to local hospitals, officials confirmed that none are currently facing life-threatening conditions. Dozens of other residents were treated at the scene for minor smoke inhalation.

Investigation Focuses on Ground Floor

While the heavy smoke caused severe damage to the upper levels—particularly the eighth floor—preliminary forensic investigations indicate the fire did not start there.

Investigators believe a technical fault on the ground floor sparked the initial blaze, which then fed thick smoke upward through the building's central shafts.

Community Displacement

The high-rise remains completely uninhabitable due to extensive smoke and structural damage. Local municipal agencies have established an emergency reception center to provide food, psychological support, and temporary housing for the displaced families. An official investigation into the exact mechanical failure is ongoing.