A mother and her 2 young children have been seriously injured in a flat fire in the Antwerp district of Hoboken. A total of 8 people that live in the block of flats were taken to hospital following the fire. A minor that lives in one of the flats in the block has been detained on suspicion of arson.
Minor suspected of arson after mother and 2 young children are seriously injured in a flat fire
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The fire started on the second floor of the block of flats on the Sint-Bernardsesteenweg. The Fire Service was able to contain the fire and extinguish it. However, there was a lot of smoke and 8 residents suffered the ill-effects of smoke inhalation and required hospital treatment.
An Antwerp Fire Service spokesperson told VRT News that "The fire was close to the fire station, so firefighters were there quickly and were able to prevent something even worse from happening. There were a few people on the roof but were able to evacuate them using a ladder.
Several ambulances went to scene and 8 people were taken to hospital. They include a monther and 2 young children that are in a serious, but not threatening condition.
A police office and a firefighter also required medical treatment. This was not due to smoke inhalation, but due to injuries they sustained while attempting to evacuate a cat from the building.
Minor detained
The fire stated in a stairwell between the 2nd and 3rd floor of the building. The investigation is still ongoing, but the police believe that the fire was started deliberately.
A male suspect has been detained. VRT News sources report that the suspect is a minor that lives in the building.