UThe third victim of the explosion in a building in Hoboken was found lifeless under the rubble, Antwerp police said late Thursday evening. The police do not wish to provide further details at this time. The search continues to find at least two people still missing.
The heavy toll of three deaths, three serious injuries and two minor injuries in the building on Sint-Bernardsesteenweg is still not definitive. The search continues to find two missing people who could still be under the rubble, if they were actually present in the building at the time of the explosion.
Rescue operations are underway, mainly to clear the rubble using a crane and continue the search for possible victims. They will probably last until late at night and perhaps even Friday morning.
Causes of explosion still unknown
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is currently underway. Different avenues are being studied. The scenes on site are reminiscent of a gas explosion, but it is far from certain that this is actually what happened.
The security perimeter could be reduced to allow local residents to spend the night in their accommodation, but this decision has not yet been confirmed. Accommodation will be offered to those who are not allowed to return home.
King Philippe will be present on Friday
King Philippe will visit the site of the explosion on Friday morning at 10 a.m. There he will meet the victims and the emergency services.
Read also
Industrial fire on the Brucargo site: the roof of the building collapsed
