Brussels, Belgium. Six people were found dead inside a lift shaft at a building under construction in central Brussels on Tuesday after a fire broke out at the site, local authorities said. Two others were taken to hospital with serious burns.
Rescue operation
The victims were discovered inside a lift trapped in the shaft at the Oxy tower. Firefighters carried out an operation lasting several hours to recover the bodies.
The fire began at about 08:00 local time and was brought under control shortly afterwards. Emergency crews found that flames had spread to lift shafts where two lifts were stuck.
Officials had initially reported that at least six people were missing. Rescuers found several victims after forcing open one of the lifts.
Prosecutor confirmation
During the rescue operation, Brecht Speybrouck, spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor’s Office, said the victims could be the six missing people, while others could potentially be in the second lift or elsewhere at the site.
The prosecutor’s office later confirmed that six bodies had been recovered from one lift.
Official response
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close thanked emergency services for what he described as an exceptional job in particularly difficult circumstances.
A firefighter received treatment at the scene after being exposed to high temperatures. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium visited the site in the afternoon.
Investigation
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.