Brussels Oxy Tower fire kills several workers, leaves six missing

A fire broke out on the second floor of the Oxy Tower, a 15‑storey building under renovation in central Brussels, and quickly spread into the lift shaft. Emergency crews rescued two injured workers and a firefighter with heat‑stroke, but discovered multiple bodies inside a lift. The exact death toll remains unclear; officials have confirmed at least two fatalities and report that “we have found bodies, we cannot say exactly how many,” said labour inspector Brecht Speybrouck. Six workers are still missing and search operations continue in a second lift shaft.

Around 250 workers were on site when the blaze started around 08:00. Mayor Philippe Close described the incident as a “deeply tragic drama” and thanked the first responders. Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe of Belgium visited the scene. The cause of the fire is under investigation and a criminal probe has been opened.

The Red Cross has set up psychological support for survivors, and the city’s emergency plans are being activated for medical and psychosocial aid.