Emergency services found several bodies in the rubble following Saturday’s devastating fire at a warehouse in the Brussels borough of Anderlecht, the Brussels Public Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed. VRT News understands two bodies have been found and the search is still on for two missing persons. A judicial investigation is now also underway.
Two bodies found, two still missing after devastating Anderlecht warehouse fire (VIDEO)
Colin Clapson
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For the time being, the public prosecutor’s office wishes only to confirm that several bodies have been found and is not providing any further details regarding the circumstances.
VRT News has learnt that two bodies were found under the rubble on Saturday night and that the search for two missing persons is still ongoing. The death toll may therefore still rise.
The fact that it took so long for news of the fatalities to emerge is likely due to the extensive damage.
“The entire warehouse was ablaze in seconds. There was also a risk it would collapse, so initially the fire brigade could not enter the building,” says VRT NEWS journalist Gitte Van Hoyweghen. “When you see how much rubble there is, it is not surprising that it is difficult to search for victims.”
Speaking on Sunday she continued: ‘It is likely that the fatalities have not yet been identified, which is why the public prosecutor’s office is being so sparing with information’. ‘It will probably be some time before we know the exact circumstances.’
Warehouse completely gutted
The fire broke out on Saturday morning in the warehouse located between the Maurice Herbettelaan and the Jakob Smitsstraat in Anderlecht. The building is used by various tenants. Building materials and electric scooters were among the items stored there. The intense fire completely destroyed the warehouse.
The fire brigade was on site for hours to extinguish the fire. During the afternoon and evening, a contractor even demolished the building so that the last smouldering pockets of fire could be put out.
For safety reasons dozens of local residents had to leave their homes during the operation, and the municipal emergency plan was also activated. A firefighter sustained a minor knee injury.
Investigation launched
Led by a Brussels examining magistrate an investigation is now underway. The public prosecutor’s office says no information can yet be provided regarding the possible cause. Forensic lab technicians and a fire expert arrived on site for further investigation. More clarity may emerge in the course of Monday.
On Sunday, the adjacent school was also thoroughly inspected, so that all pupils could return to school safely on Monday.