A major fire broke out early Wednesday morning (1 July 2026) in a 10-storey residential building in Antwerp, Belgium, according to an official statement by Belgian police. Initial reports indicate multiple fatalities, though authorities have not yet released the exact number of casualties or details on how the blaze started.
According to Reuters, more than 200 people live in the building. Witnesses and footage show residents emerging onto balconies and climbing out of windows in desperate attempts to escape the flames. Thick black smoke has engulfed the sky above the structure.
The fire reportedly began on the 8th floor and spread rapidly across other levels. Authorities urged nearby residents affected by smoke to close windows and doors—and, if necessary, turn off ventilation systems.
Multiple firefighting units from across the region rushed to the scene. Several residents were injured and transported to local hospitals, most suffering from burns or respiratory distress. Dozens of ambulances and rescue teams provided on-site first aid.
Residents spoke to VTM News, describing scenes of terror as flames surrounded their apartments. Many remain trapped inside, awaiting rescue. One man, Armant, told reporters with a trembling voice: “I don’t know what happened. I’m trying to reach my wife, but I’m getting no information at all. My wife is still inside—if she weren’t, she’d have come to me or called.”
Another resident recounted helping a neighbour flee: “Her apartment was full of smoke. They couldn’t find her cat.” He added: “A fire can happen anywhere—but I never expected something like this. My neighbour was banging on the balcony door. That’s when I said: ‘We need to run and get downstairs.’”
Directly opposite the burning building stands the Hof Ter Schelde care centre, which opened its doors to shelter displaced residents.