An elderly man was seriously injured following a fire at his home in the Brussels commune of Schaerbeek on Saturday night. He is suffering from burns and smoke poisoning.
The Brussels Fire Brigade was called to a fire in a mansion converted into various flats on rue Demolder, in Schaerbeek, at around 01:00 on Saturday night, Brussels fire department spokesperson Walter Derieuw said.
"The fire was fully developed in the rear room of the duplex, located on the first floor," Derieuw explained.
The occupant of the duplex was quickly found. Unconscious, he was taken care of by the medical team on site and resuscitated, before being transferred to a nearby hospital. The victim concerned is now in the intensive care unit.
"The victim, aged around 60, is seriously injured. He suffered burns and smoke poisoning as a result of the fire," said Derieuw.
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The fire, which remained localised on the first floor, caused no other injuries. After ventilation and CO detection, the other occupants were able to return to their homes. The origin of the fire is thought to be accidental but is yet to be determined.
A total of two fire engines, two fire ladders, two emergency medical services, two ambulances and a decontamination vehicle were deployed. Police from the Brussels-North area were also on hand to set up a security perimeter.
