A major explosion has occurred in the residential area of Wilrijk in Antwerp at around 12:30 PM.
Several people are still under the rubble, with the fire brigade working to bring people to safety, reports De Morgen.
Three buildings have collapsed, and others have been damaged, according to reports.
“There are several injured people and there are still people under the rubble. One victim has already been released,” the Antwerp police have said, GVA reports.
Rond 12.20 uur was er een ontploffing in de Palmanshoevestr in Wilrijk (hoek Riddervel-Egied Segerslaan). 3 panden zijn getroffen. De hulpdiensten zijn massaal ter plaatse. Er zijn meerdere gewonden & er bevinden zich nog mensen onder het puin. 1 slachtoffer werd reeds bevrijd. pic.twitter.com/CwsOIXS1u1
— Politie Antwerpen (@PZAntwerpen) September 3, 2019
Police have asked people to keep the area free for the emergency services, which are present en masse.
We zijn ter plaatse in #Wilrijk voor een #explosie. Onze ploegen zijn ter plaatse. Meer info volgt.
— Brandweer Zone Antwerpen (@BZAntwerpen) September 3, 2019
The cause is not known at this time.
This story is developing, for the latest information click here.
Jules Johnston
The Brussels Times
