Several reported dead after fire in lift shaft of Brussels building

A fire at a construction site in central Brussels has killed several people and left others missing, according to Belgian authorities.

The blaze broke out at the Oxy building on Place de Brouckère, a multifunctional complex that had been undergoing renovation.

Roughly 250 workers were on site, according to local media. Firefighters rescued a number of workers, but authorities believe six are still missing.

The blaze erupted in the morning and was seemingly quickly under control. However, the fire caused damage to two elevator shafts before reaching an underground section of the building, igniting a second fire and complicating rescue efforts.

Two of the lifts plummeted down, local media reported, adding that firefighters managed to make a small opening in one lift and saw multiple bodies.

Efforts are still underway to open both lifts. It is still unclear whether additional missing people will be found in the other elevator.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

In April 2024, another fire had broken on the roof of the building under construction but did not result in any injuries.

The building was originally constructed in 1971 and served as both the headquarters of Belgian postal operator, Bpost, and home to administrative offices for the City of Brussels until 2022, when it was sold for redevelopment.

Today, the building is being transformed into a multifunctional complex, set to feature a four-star hotel, apartments, office space, a rooftop bar and a number of restaurants.

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