A harrowing fire broke out early Tuesday, 14 July 2026, at a building under renovation in central Brussels, Belgium — resulting in at least six fatalities and multiple injuries. The blaze spread rapidly across the construction site, where more than 200 workers were present at the time.
Elevator Trapped Workers Amid Intense Heat and Smoke
Flames surged through the elevator shaft, trapping several workers inside one of the elevator cabins as the fire intensified and thick smoke filled the building. Rescue teams fought difficult conditions — extreme heat and dense smoke — to reach those stranded. Authorities later confirmed that at least six people lost their lives, most found inside the elevator where they appeared to have been trapped with no chance to escape.
Fears Grow for Additional Victims
According to reports by Greek broadcaster Mega, rescuers have not yet gained access to a second elevator — reportedly collapsed and blocked by debris — raising fears that more victims may be inside. Belgian public broadcaster VRT reported that while the initial fire on the lower floors was brought under control relatively quickly, flames traveled up the elevator shaft into a basement level, igniting a secondary fire and complicating rescue efforts.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire remains unknown. Belgian authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine what triggered the disaster and whether all required safety protocols were followed on-site. Brecht Speibroek, spokesperson for Belgium’s labour inspection service, earlier noted that rescuers had only limited access to one of the two elevator cabins and had located bodies but could not yet confirm the exact number.
Three injured workers were transported to hospital for treatment, while others were evacuated from the site as soon as conditions allowed. The investigation continues, with officials expected to conduct a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the fire’s outbreak.