One person died and 12 people were hospitalised following a large fire in a flat in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert on Monday evening. Three firemen were also injured during the intervention.
Brussels firefighters were called to a fire that had broken out in a flat on Clos Sirius, in the commune of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, around 23:35 on Monday night. The building was entirely overcome with smoke and the fire fully developed on the ground floor.
"We evacuated some 40 people via all types of ladders available (auto ladder, interlocking ladder, hook ladder) with the help of the ambulance service and the police. Several doors were broken down in search of possible victims," said the fire brigade's spokesperson Walter Derieuw.
Credit: Brussels Fire Brigade
"During this Search and Rescue operation, an unconscious person who inhaled smoke was evacuated from the corridors. Immediate resuscitation was started, unfortunately without success," he added. Another 12 residents were transferred to hospitals in Brussels, three of them "in a more serious condition."
The municipal services took care of those who were involved but who were not injured in various reception centres.
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Three firefighters were also injured in the operation, Derieuw said. They suffered minor burns but "nevertheless continued the intervention." A total of six fire engines and six fire brigade crews as well as nine ambulances were used for the intervention.
The municipal services of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert have since taken over the logistical, housing and social follow-up of the incident. The origin of the fire has yet to be determined.
