A severe fire broke out in the early hours of Wednesday morning in a building on Karel Oomsstraat in Antwerp, according to local police.
17 people were hospitalised for mild smoke inhalation. Several apartments are temporarily uninhabitable.
The fire reportedly started at around 00:30 in a flat located halfway up a 12-storey building. "This flat was completely destroyed by the flames, and other flats on the floor sustained damage that has made them temporarily uninhabitable," said Antwerp police spokesperson, Wouter Bruyns.
The entire building was evacuated, with most residents able to leave on their own. "About 70 people were provided with accommodation for the night," Bruyns added. "By around 06:00, most residents were able to return after the building was ventilated. Those unable to go back were either sheltered with relatives or accommodated in hotels."
The medical intervention plan and operational coordination phase of the municipal emergency plan were activated to ensure optimal emergency response. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
