Belgium apartment fire kills several as blaze engulfs 10-storey residential building in Antwerp

Several people have been killed and many others injured after a major fire tore through a 10-storey residential apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium, on Wednesday morning.

The blaze broke out shortly before 10 am local time in the Linkeroever district, sending thick black smoke pouring from the eighth floor. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as residents scrambled to escape.

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Dramatic videos from the building showed one man climbing from his balcony into a neighbouring apartment through a window to flee the smoke.

According to Belgian police, more than 200 people live in the residential block, and multiple bodies have already been recovered. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact death toll.

Several residents were rescued by firefighters using ladder trucks after thick smoke blocked stairwells and escape routes.

One resident said he and others sealed themselves inside their apartment before being evacuated from the balcony.

Firefighters conducted door-to-door searches throughout the building as dense smoke spread rapidly, making evacuation and rescue operations extremely challenging.

Among those rescued were the parents-in-law of former Antwerp mayor Bob Cools, who were taken to hospital. A resident also said firefighters were unable to save the family's pet cat despite their efforts.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Police said it is too early to determine how the blaze started, although some witnesses told local media that maintenance work had been taking place on the roof before the incident.

Fire officials described the operation as particularly difficult because of poor visibility and the heavy smoke inside the building.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his condolences to the victims and said his thoughts were with the affected residents.