Several people were found dead in a lift in the OXY Tower in central Brussels after fire broke out in the building on Tuesday, the Labour Division of the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday afternoon. The exact number of fatalities is not yet known.
Six people are missing and the search for them is underway. According to a spokesperson from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, they may be in another lift, which the fire brigade has not yet been able to access. It is also possible that those reported missing are among the deceased found earlier in the day.
"The Civil Protection is now retrieving the bodies in that lift," said the spokesperson. "If it turns out that not all six missing victims are involved, we will need to search the other lift as well. Due to all the debris, the working conditions are very difficult." Search operations may take several more hours.
The scene of a fire at the OXY building near Place De Brouckere, in Brussels, Tuesday 14 July 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
250 workers onsite when the fire broke out
The fire broke out on Tuesday morning before 08:00 on the second floor of the building, which was undergoing renovation work. The fire was quickly extinguished, but flames had spread into the lift shaft, causing a fire inside it.
The fire later spread to the second floor and was brought under control around 09:00.
Approximately 250 workers were present on the site when the fire broke out. The cause of the blaze is yet to be established.
Two people suffering from burns were taken to the Military Hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek earlier on Tuesday, and a firefighter suffering from heatstroke had to be treated at the scene.
The scene of a fire at the OXY building near Place De Brouckere, in Brussels, Tuesday 14 July 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Workers from the OXY building site, who had been evacuated, were cared for in the staff canteen of the administrative centre of the City of Brussels, according to the Brussels Fire Brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
“Psychological support is being provided there by the Red Cross. In addition to the internal emergency plan, a medical response plan and a psychosocial support plan have also been put in place,” Derieuw added.
'Shocked by the tragedy that has unfolded in the heart of our capital'
City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS) called the incident a “tragedy that affects us deeply”.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and with the injured and the workers who were inside the building,” he said, adding that the municipality is "committed to guiding and supporting all those affected."
City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close talks to the press at the scene of a fire at the OXY building in Brussels, on Tuesday 14 July 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever (N-VA) and King Phillipe visited the scene of the fire at around 16:30. They were seen thanking first responders for their work.
Interior Federal Minister Bernard Quintin (MR) reacted to the news of the fire on X.
“Shocked by the tragedy that has unfolded in the heart of our capital,” he said. “My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones and everyone who is still in a state of uncertainty. My sincere thanks go to our fire service and all the emergency services for their efforts.”
Prime Minister Bart de Wever and King Philippe with first responders. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Federal Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) also took to X to extend her condolences.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their loved ones, and all those affected by the fire that broke out in the Oxy building in Brussels,” she said. “I wish them much courage and human warmth during these difficult days. My sincere thanks go to all the emergency services for their swift and tireless efforts.”
Groups behind OXY Tower react
The OXY building houses flats, restaurants and a rooftop bar and is currently undergoing construction work. The OXY renovation project involves the conversion of the former Mint building into a multi-purpose complex comprising flats, offices, a luxury hotel and restaurants. It was due to be fully completed later this year or early next year.
The project is being led by the property developers Immobel and Whitewood. Both issued statements on Tuesday expressing their “deep sadness” at the loss of life caused by the fire on the construction site.
The scene of a fire at the OXY building near Place De Brouckere, in Brussels, Tuesday 14 July 2026. Credit: Belga/Emile Windal
Neither property developer has commented on the possible cause or circumstances of the tragedy. According to Immobel, “it is the emergency and safety services and the competent authorities who are taking the lead in on-site coordination and communication regarding this matter”.
The main contractor, Cordeel, issued a statement on Tuesday saying that it was "working closely with the emergency services, the relevant authorities and the other parties involved".
"Our absolute priority is to provide care and support for the victims, their families, our staff and all others affected," a Cordeel spokesperson said.
This article is being updated as more information comes in.
