The Rogier tunnel near Botanique has been closed in both directions after a car caught fire by the tunnel exit, the region's Mobility Agency Brussels Mobility and the Brussels Fire Brigade confirmed.
A car caught fire at the Yser exit of the Rogier tunnel, in the direction of Basilique, the Brussels Fire Brigade confirmed on Monday around noon. The tunnel, located to the north of Brussels, was closed off in both directions.
"The area is to be avoided," Walter Derieuw, the Brussels Fire Brigade's spokesperson said.
Credit: Brussels Fire Brigade
The fire was extinguished around 12:30 and ventilation is in progress. "Brussels Mobility has increased the power of the fans in the tunnel," Derieuw said. Five people were seen by the emergency services' doctor on site, but no one was evacuated to hospital. "The occupants of the car that caught fire are safe and sound," he added.
The tunnel's electrical infrastructure has been affected due to the fire. Derieuw noted that, as a result of this damage, the installation needs to be checked.
Mobiris confirmed at around 13:10 that the Yser entrance of the Annie Cordy Tunnel towards Basilique is also currently inaccessible, due to the intervention of emergency services in the Rogier Tunnel.
For now, it remains unclear what caused the car to catch fire or how long the tunnel will remain closed.
