Brussels fire: Several people found dead in lift after tower blaze as six missing

Multiple people have been found dead inside a lift after a fire at a tower block in central Brussels, with six others still missing. The blaze broke out on the second floor of the OXY Tower on Tuesday morning before spreading into the lift shaft, igniting a second fire inside one of the lifts.

Six people also remain missing and emergency crews are searching for them. Officials believe they may be trapped in another lift, which firefighters have so far been unable to access.

The initial fire has since been extinguished, while the blaze inside the lift shaft has also been brought under control.

Belgium’s Labour Division of the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that several people had been found dead inside a lift, although the exact number of fatalities has not yet been established.

Two people suffering from burns were taken to the Military Hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek, while a firefighter was treated at the scene after suffering heatstroke.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.

Workers evacuated from the OXY Tower were taken to the staff canteen at the City of Brussels’ administrative centre, where the Red Cross has been providing psychological support.

Brussels Fire Brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw said medical and psychosocial emergency plans had been activated alongside the building’s internal emergency procedures.

The OXY Tower is a mixed-use development containing apartments, restaurants and a rooftop bar.