Heavy toll
During their search and rescue attempts, firefighters discovered three bodies: two victims on the 1st floor landing and one victim at the entrance to an apartment on the 3rd floor. “Probably the unfortunate people attempted to escape through the stairwell, which was completely smoky and engulfed in flames.” The stairwell also partly collapsed during the extinguishing of the fire which was brought under control around 1:40 a.m. “The origin of the disaster remains to be determined. An expert from the Public Prosecutor’s Office and a forensic doctor are descended on the spot.”
Following the fire, a gas leak occurred in the building. Sibelga came to the site to cut off the gas supply by opening the sidewalk in front of the damaged building. The electricity was also cut off.
In homes, there is practically no damage from flames, but rather from smoke and soot.
“I don’t know if the scenario applies to today’s tragic incident,” explains the fire department spokesperson, “but, if possible, avoid evacuating your home via a stairwell filled with smoke. Stay at home, close the door (to prevent smoke from entering the home) and report your presence to the emergency services, via the window (possibly with the light on your smartphone) or by calling CU112.
A Brussels hotel caught fire this Saturday evening: more than 40 people evacuated, 3 of them were poisoned
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