Overview
- A major blaze broke out early at a large renovation project on Place de Brouckere in central Brussels, forcing the evacuation of about 200 workers.
- Firefighters contained an initial lower-floor fire but flames travelled up elevator shafts and sparked a new blaze on an underground level, which hindered access for crews.
- Rescuers gained limited access to one elevator cabinet and reported seeing two or three bodies there; authorities say several people have died and at least six workers remain unaccounted for.
- Search-and-rescue and recovery operations are continuing and officials have not yet determined what caused the fire.
- The local labour inspection service and Brussels fire brigade are leading investigations that will focus on site safety, elevator-shaft vulnerabilities and whether workplace rules were followed.