Fatal apartment building fire in Antwerp, Belgium

On Wednesday, July 1, 2026, a major fire broke out at a ten-story residential building on August Vandermeylelaan in the Linkeroever district of Antwerp, Belgium. The building, which housed over 200 residents, was evacuated by emergency services. Authorities confirmed at least five fatalities and 13 serious injuries, with additional victims suffering from minor injuries. Firefighters initially focused on the eighth floor as the potential point of origin, though officials noted that exact causes and the precise location remain subject to further investigation. Some residents alleged the blaze started during electrical panel maintenance, while official sources have yet to confirm the cause. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed his condolences to the affected families. Emergency crews remained on-site for several hours as they searched for additional victims and worked to bring the blaze under control. Local authorities have advised nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed due to heavy smoke.