Firefighters are conducting searches in the ruins of a manor house that was destroyed by fire overnight in Longueville, according to the mayor of Chaumont-Gistoux and the Brabant Wallon emergency services.
Fire crews from the Jodoigne and Wavre stations were called to the Bacquelaine Castle, a prestigious manor owned by a Swiss company, around 2:30 on Tuesday. The fire, whose cause remains unknown, has severely damaged both the main and secondary wings of the building.
Mayor Philippe Barras told the Belga news agency that due to the wooden floors and beams, the fire spread rapidly, and efforts are underway to locate the occupant. It is believed that the resident, a Swiss national, might still be trapped in the debris.
A witness reported to Belga that the cleaner discovered the occupant’s two vintage cars and his usual vehicle still on the premises this morning, suggesting a high likelihood that he was inside during the fire.
Firefighters are facing difficulties accessing certain parts of the building due to hazardous conditions.
Confirmation is still pending regarding the possible presence of the occupant within the site.
