Several Killed in Fire at Brussels Construction Site

Several people were killed after a fire broke out at the Oxy Tower construction site in central Brussels. Rescue teams continue searching for missing workers as authorities investigate the cause of the blaze, which also left several people injured.

Several people have died after a fire broke out at a high-rise building under construction in the Belgian capital, Brussels, on Tuesday.
Emergency officials said the blaze occurred at the Oxy Tower in the city centre, with rescue teams continuing search and recovery operations amid fears that more victims could be trapped inside.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact number of deaths.

FIRE BREAKS OUT AT CONSTRUCTION SITE

The fire erupted inside the Oxy Tower, a major construction project located in central Brussels.
Although firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze quickly, they discovered that the fire had spread into the building's lift shafts.
Officials said two construction lifts became trapped during the incident, raising concerns that workers could still be inside.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

SEARCH FOR MISSING WORKERS CONTINUES

Authorities confirmed that at least six people were initially reported missing.
Firefighters forced open one of the trapped lifts and discovered several victims inside.
Brecht Speybrouck, spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor's Office, said officials were still trying to determine the exact number of people who died.
He explained that if the victims found inside the lift are not the missing workers, rescue teams will have to search the second lift and other parts of the building.
Recovery operations have been slowed by debris and dangerous working conditions inside the structure.

INJURIES REPORTED

Local media reported that at least two people suffered serious burns and were taken to hospital for treatment.
One firefighter was also treated at the scene after being exposed to extreme heat while battling the blaze.
Emergency teams remained at the site throughout the day as the search operation continued.

BELGIAN LEADERS VISIT THE SCENE

Brussels Mayor Philippe Close praised firefighters and emergency responders for their efforts under extremely difficult conditions.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe later visited the scene to receive updates on the rescue and recovery operation.
Authorities are expected to begin a full investigation once the building is declared safe.

BUILDING WAS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The Oxy Tower had not yet been completed and was expected to include residential apartments, a hotel, restaurants and bars once finished.
The building is located about 500 metres from Brussels' historic Grand Place, one of the city's best-known landmarks.
Investigators are expected to examine the cause of the fire, while officials continue working to identify the victims and determine whether anyone else remains trapped inside the building.