Fire raging in egg company in Tongeren, meanwhile also several explosions: “Our life’s work goes up in flames” (Tongeren)

A serious fire is raging in the production halls of the egg company Lecoque on the Tongeren-Oost industrial estate. The flames rise meters high into the air. Access to the industrial estate – which is located near the E313 – is currently closed. The plume of smoke can be seen for miles. Emergency services are arriving en masse from various corners of the province to extinguish the fire. The staff is all outside with face masks. No one was injured. In the meantime, several explosions could already be heard in the company.

The family business specializes in the sale of boiled and peeled eggs at home and abroad. The owners are present and in shock. “We literally see our life’s work going up in flames.”

According to initial reports, the fire started at the back of the company hall. The evening crew was working with six people when the fire – according to the employees – started in the storage shed. They reported that a barrel containing chemicals leaked and caught fire. The workers tried to extinguish it themselves while waiting for the fire brigade. In vain.

It is currently unclear whether there is a danger to the environment. The residents of Mal, Slokken and near the Kevie are asked to keep windows and doors closed.(mm/diro)