A fire broke out in the cellars of the Kennedy Tower this Monday around 2 p.m. The firefighters, once on site, asked the residents of the tower to remain confined during operations. A perimeter was established and the Paul Van Hoegaerden quay closed to allow emergency services to work. The municipal emergency phase has been triggered.
Due to the smoke emanating from technical ducts, the apartments were gradually evacuated by firefighters. Residents present were asked to remain on their balconies while waiting to be evacuated. Fifteen of them were extracted thanks to helicopter operations based on the support of a Defense aircraft. The reinforcement was helicoptered with a helicopter from Luxembourg and one from Defense based in Koksijde.
Although no serious injuries were reported at the start of the intervention, five people who were on the stairs were nevertheless evacuated for poisoning to hospitals. At the end of the day, during a press conference, Mayor Willy Demeyer announced the death of one person, according to an initial provisional report. Two people are also in absolute emergency. A total of 14 people were transferred to hospitals, 132 people were received at the reception center, of whom 103 were seen at the advanced medical post. In the absence of a definitive assessment, the municipal emergency phase remains activated.
At 10:40 p.m., the fire was brought under control with the help of firefighters from Brussels, Antwerp (with large ladders), Luxembourg, and the Vesdre – Hoëgne & Plateau emergency zone.
The people who were evacuated have, for the most part, found refuge with their loved ones, indicates the Liège police. Nearly 70 of them will be rehoused in hotels or at the Cointe Omnisports hall. Residents of the tower must present themselves with their apartment key to the reception center located at the Athénée Liège 1. Residents who cannot get to the reception center must contact the call center number which has been activated: 0800/94000
Previous: More than 6,000 trees planted in Liège in 4 years: it is now the turn of the historic heart
► An error or an article suggestion, contact us.
