What began as an ordinary workday at one of Brussels’ biggest construction sites ended in unimaginable tragedy.
How did a routine morning turn so deadly?
Six people have died after a fire tore through the Oxy Tower construction site in central Brussels.
Authorities discovered the victims trapped inside a lift stuck in a smoke-filled shaft.
The recovery operation lasted for hours as firefighters battled dangerous conditions inside the unfinished high-rise.
Officials say the blaze broke out around 8:00am local time.
Although firefighters quickly brought the flames under control.
The fire had already spread into the building’s lift shafts, where two elevators became immobilised.
Rescue teams forced open one lift and recovered six bodies.
Worksite Fire Under Investigation
Investigators are still trying to determine what sparked the fire.
Earlier, prosecutors warned that several workers were missing, raising fears more victims could be found.
“It could be the six missing people, but there could also be more,” a spokesperson for the Brussels Labour Prosecutor’s Office said as rescue efforts continued.
Two people were hospitalised with severe burns, while a firefighter received treatment after exposure to intense heat.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever and King Philippe later visited the scene.
Brussels Mayor Philippe Close praised emergency crews for their “exceptional job” under extremely difficult conditions.
As investigators search for answers, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder.
Behind every towering construction project are workers whose safety must never be taken for granted.
