Feu lors d'une rénovation Cinq morts après l'incendie d'un bâtiment à Bruxelles

Firefighters discovered five dead bodies in a lift during the ongoing renovation of a building in Brussels, leading to a tragic loss of life. The incident occurred in the city’s downtown area, where emergency services were called to a fire that started on the second floor of the under-construction Oxy Building. Hours passed before rescuers could access the site, ultimately confirming the deaths of at least five individuals. A sixth person remains missing, while two workers and one firefighter were hospitalized following the incident. The fire began as a small blaze on the second floor, prompting firefighters to respond swiftly and extinguish the flames. Afterward, they conducted a thorough inspection of the large construction site, noting that many areas were extremely difficult to reach. Despite these challenges, rescue teams managed to gain entry to one elevator shaft, where they found multiple bodies inside the cabin. Access to a second lift remained blocked for some time, raising concerns that additional fatalities might be uncovered. Authorities warned that further discoveries were possible, emphasizing the severity of the situation. Premier Minister Alexander De Croo visited the scene alongside King Philippe, who arrived shortly after the initial reports. While both leaders did not make public statements, their presence underscored the gravity of the tragedy. Brussels Mayor Philippe Close expressed deep sorrow over the incident, calling it a deeply affecting event. He pledged support for all affected parties and commended the efforts of the emergency personnel. In contrast, Belgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin shared his reaction via social media, expressing shock at the outcome. The Oxy Building, located in a pedestrian zone within the heart of Brussels, was originally used as the administrative headquarters of the capital. Now, it is being transformed into a multi-functional structure featuring offices, restaurants, hotel rooms, and residential units. The project, which was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, is being developed by companies Whitewood and Immobel. Following the disaster, Immobel issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the casualties and reaffirming its commitment to supporting the emergency services and local authorities. The company stated it was in close communication with all involved parties and emphasized the human toll of the incident. Emergency crews worked tirelessly throughout the day, with several firefighters suffering from heat exhaustion due to the intense conditions. Some were observed drinking water frequently near the site, highlighting the physical strain of the operation. Despite the hazardous environment, responders continued their search for survivors and victims, demonstrating unwavering dedication to their duties. As the investigation unfolds, officials are expected to provide more detailed information regarding the cause of the fire and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of life, and discussions about workplace safety and construction protocols are likely to intensify in the coming days.