A fire in a ten-story residential building in Antwerp, Belgium, has claimed the lives of at least five people, with several others injured.

At least five people have died in a fire that broke out in a ten-story residential building in the Belgian port city of Antwerp. The incident occurred in the Linkeroever district, with the blaze starting on the eighth floor of the building around 10:00 AM local time. According to a police spokesperson speaking to the broadcaster VRT, several individuals sustained severe injuries, and many of the rescued residents suffered from smoke inhalation.

The building houses over 200 residents, and emergency services are still searching for additional individuals who may be trapped inside. As of midday, the fire had not yet been brought under control. Television footage showed thick black smoke billowing from balconies, highlighting the intensity of the blaze. A spokesperson for the fire department described the situation as highly complex due to poor visibility and heavy smoke inside the building, which has significantly hampered firefighting efforts.

Authorities have urged local residents to keep their windows and doors closed to avoid exposure to the smoke. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing. Emergency responders continue to work on extinguishing the flames and ensuring the safety of the building’s occupants.