Fire at Brussels renovation site leaves several dead in elevator

A fire broke out on the second floor of a building under renovation in central Brussels on Tuesday and spread into a lift shaft. Emergency crews later recovered several charred bodies from one of the elevators. The building is located in a prominent shopping district. A total of 250 workers were evacuated from the site.

Casualties and response Two people sustained severe burns and were taken to hospital. Six others were initially reported missing. Brecht Speybrouck, a spokesperson for the Labor Audit Office, said the remains were found inside one elevator but did not specify how many victims were recovered or confirm whether they were among the missing.

Emergency services encountered difficulty reaching the affected lift shaft. Thermal cameras and sniffer dogs were used in the search.

Official statements Brussels mayor Philippe Close said firefighters, rescue workers and police responded immediately. He stated that their quick action probably helped avoid a greater tragedy. Belgium's King Phillipe visited the site several hours later.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin posted on social media that he was shocked by the incident and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.