Linkeroever Fire Leaves Multiple Victims in Antwerp

Sun Sep 06 2026 15:16:29 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A deadly blaze engulfed a 10‑storey apartment block in Antwerp, killing several people and injuring others. Firefighters struggled amid thick smoke.

In the early hours of Wednesday, a fire broke out on the eighth floor of a 10‑storey apartment building in Antwerp’s Linkeroever district, igniting thick smoke that made evacuation difficult. Numerous residents were rescued from balconies and nearby homes, but several bodies were discovered inside the building. Firefighters had to search from flat to flat under poor visibility and report the blaze as a complex emergency. Anticipated causes include ongoing roof work, though investigations are still underway. Prime Minister De Wever expressed condolences for the victims and their families.

Linkeroever Fire Leaves Multiple Victims in Antwerp

A blaze erupted on the eighth floor of a 10‑storey block of flats in Antwerp’s Linkeroever neighbourhood just before 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, reducing the building to a smoldering ruin and trapping residents amid thick black smoke.

Firefighters rushed to the scene, battling difficult visibility as smoke spread rapidly from floor to floor. Masks, ladders and a frantic search were needed to locate lost residents, with some being rescued from balconies and neighbour’s windows, as footage from the site shows a man clambering from his balcony to escape the smoke.

Police say the block houses more than 200 people, and several bodies have already been recovered. The incident left several others injured and the building’s residents in a state of emergency.

Witnesses claim that roof work had been underway at the time of the fire, but authorities await further investigation to confirm the exact cause.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and the families affected by this terrible fire," the Antwerp fire brigade spokeswoman said. Prime Minister Bart De Wever added that the incident is a tragic reminder of the importance of fire safety protocols in high‑rise dwellings.