UAn explosion blew off the upper part of a building in the Antwerp district of Hoboken on Thursday morning. Six people were extricated from the rubble by the emergency services. A first victim died earlier in the day and a second was found under the rubble this Thursday evening, police said.
The King will visit the site on Friday morning to pay tribute to the victims, the Palace indicated on Thursday evening.
Rescue operations are still in full swing, mainly to clear the scene using a crane and then continue the search for possible victims, three people are still missing. The operation will probably last until late at night and perhaps even until tomorrow morning.
The security perimeter imposed earlier today could be reduced to allow a certain number of people to spend the night at home, but nothing has been decided yet. Local residents who are not allowed to return home will be offered accommodation in the surrounding area. A number of evacuated local residents are currently staying at a nearby service center, unless they have sought shelter with family members or friends.
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Death, at least four people still wanted, disaster plan… what we know about the major explosion near Antwerp
