Several killed in fire at Brussels high-rise construction site

Several people have been killed after a fire broke out at a building under construction in central Brussels on Tuesday, according to local authorities.

The blaze occurred at the Oxy Tower, though the cause has not yet been established. Officials said at least six people remain unaccounted for.

Although firefighters managed to extinguish the fire quickly, they discovered that the flames had spread through the building’s lift shafts after entering the structure. Two elevators were found trapped inside the shafts.

Emergency crews forced open one of the lifts and discovered several bodies inside, according to Brecht Speybrouck, spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor’s Office.

“We do not yet know the exact number of victims,” Speybrouck said, adding that those found could be the six people reported missing. However, he noted that additional victims could still be inside the second lift or elsewhere in the building.

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close praised emergency responders for what he described as an exceptional effort under extremely challenging conditions.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever visited the scene following the incident, while King Philippe was also expected to attend later in the day, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF.

Local media reported that two people were taken to hospital with severe burns, while one firefighter received treatment at the scene after being exposed to intense heat.

The Oxy Tower, which is still under construction, is expected to include residential apartments, a hotel, restaurants and bars upon completion.

The site is located about 500 metres from Brussels’ historic Grand Place, the city’s central Baroque square.

Source: BBC