Antwerp high-rise fire kills six and injures dozens

A blaze erupted on the eighth floor of a ten‑story residential building in the Linkeroever district of Antwerp, Belgium, on 1 July 2026. The fire spread rapidly through the structure that houses more than 200 residents. Emergency services, including multiple fire brigades, police units and a drone‑equipped team, worked under dense smoke to extinguish the flames and search for victims.

Officials confirmed at least six deaths and a number of injuries ranging from minor to serious. All occupants were evacuated and are being sheltered nearby. Residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed and to shut off ventilation systems to limit smoke infiltration. The response involved over ten fire pumps and coordination with regional emergency agencies.