A fierce fire broke out late Saturday night in an apartment building in the Brussels commune of Laeken, according to the Brussels fire brigade. Around 20 people were evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
The fire began at approximately 23:15 in a building located at the corner of Rue Stéphanie and Rue du Champ de l’Église.
When firefighters arrived, smoke was billowing from the entrance and basement. The residents, around 20 people, had already managed to get to safety.
“All the electrical panels and conduits in the basement were on fire, which also endangered the gas lines,” said fire brigade spokesperson Walter Derieuw. “As a result, all public utilities were cut off, and the building is uninhabitable.”
The residents have been assisted by the police and local authorities. Tram traffic in the street was temporarily halted for the firefighting efforts.
According to Mr Derieuw, there were no smoke detectors in the building.
