At least 1,500 pigs have died following a major fire at a pig farm in Glabbeek, Flemish Brabant, local authorities confirmed on Monday.
The blaze broke out early in the morning after the farm owner reportedly heard an explosion and alerted emergency services at around 07:30.
According to Glabbeek Mayor Peter Reekmans, firefighters arrived at the scene within approximately seven minutes, but the fire was already well established.
The blaze affected one of two sections of the modern pig farm. The roughly 1,500 pigs housed in the affected compartment did not survive.
More than 1,200 pigs located in the second section of the building were successfully rescued.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and investigations are ongoing.
The incident generated a large plume of smoke that was visible from several kilometres away, drawing attention from residents across the surrounding area.
No injuries to people have been reported.
