A major fire broke out early Tuesday morning (July 14, 2026) at the OXY building construction site in Brussels, Belgium — triggering an emergency response and raising fears of multiple fatalities. According to the Brussels Labour Prosecutor’s Office, several victims were found dead inside an elevator in the under-renovation tower. The blaze erupted shortly before 8:00 a.m. on the building’s second floor.
Victims Found in Elevator; Search Continues for Six Missing
Authorities confirmed that firefighters managed to create a small opening in one of the building’s elevators, where multiple bodies were discovered. Labour Prosecutor spokesperson Brecht Speybrouck provided the update during an afternoon briefing.
Six people remain unaccounted for. Investigators suspect they may be trapped inside a second elevator — one that rescue teams have not yet been able to access. Search and recovery operations are ongoing.
Fire Spread Through Elevator Shaft
Although the initial fire on the second floor was quickly contained, flames spread into the elevator shaft, igniting a secondary blaze within the structure. Firefighters brought this second ignition under control, but the incident has left the building heavily damaged.
Strong contingents of fire and civil protection services remain on-site. The cause of the fire is still unknown and under investigation.
Three individuals were hospitalized following the incident. The OXY building — once completed — is slated to house residential apartments, restaurants, and rooftop bars.