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Several people have died after a fire broke out at an apartment block in Antwerp on Wednesday, Belgian police said.
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A report came in of a blaze on the eighth floor of a building in the city’s Linkeroever neighborhood at 9:53 am, Antwerp police said in a statement.
Video footage circulating on social media appears to show the fire, with plumes of black smoke billowing from a balcony. Police and firefighters were dispatched to the scene along with a drone crew.
“The building has a total of ten floors and is home to more than 200 people. Several people have died,” police said in a statement.
Multiple people were also injured in the blaze, the force added. It warned locals affected by the smoke to close windows and doors and to shut off ventilation systems if necessary.
Officers are continuing to search for victims as residents are evacuated.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever has said his thoughts were with the victims and residents.
“I would like to express my deep appreciation to the emergency services, who are doing their utmost to help the many people affected as quickly and safely as possible, and who are working hard to bring the fire under control,” he said.
This is a developing story. Check back for details.
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