A fire broke out on Saturday midday in an apartment building in Tournai.
One of the apartments was destroyed by the flames, with the occupants absent at the time. Four animals perished in the fire.
Emergency services in Wallonie Picarde were alerted at 12:37. The blaze occurred at Chaussée de Willemeau 17, Tournai. Two fire engines, a ladder truck, a water tanker, three ambulances, and a command vehicle were dispatched.
Lieutenant Harold Vaeskens, who led the operation, reported: “The burning building comprised a ground floor, two storeys, and converted lofts, with a total of four apartments. The fire started on the first floor, in the bathroom and kitchen.”
The affected apartment was home to a couple and their two children. “The occupants were away at the time of the fire. Three dogs and one cat died, while another cat was rescued. The fire, water, and smoke damage on the first floor are significant, making the apartment uninhabitable,” added the officer.
The husband, around 40 years old, and his mother became unwell upon arriving and seeing the extent of the damage. “They were very agitated and severely shocked. Both were attended to by paramedics and taken to hospital,” noted the lieutenant.
Electricity supplier Ores also intervened to cut off all energy supplies. By 15:30, firefighters were still on the scene, ventilating the ground floor apartment, which remains habitable, according to the fire services.
