“Multiple individuals have tragically lost their lives in an active fire at a 10-story residential complex situated in Antwerp, Belgium.

Emergency responders are currently engaged in a large-scale rescue operation following the outbreak of the fire at the August Vermeylenlaan building, which accommodates over 200 residents in the Linkeroever district.

The fire department has pinpointed the fire’s origin to be on the eighth floor. Authorities have confirmed the casualties and injuries resulting from the incident.

A resident named Geert Dewulf recounted on Belgian television how dense smoke hindered their exit from the apartment, leading them to seek refuge on the balcony until the fire brigade arrived with a ladder for rescue.

Efforts are underway to evacuate the multi-story building, housing approximately 200 individuals.

Local residents have been advised to shut doors and windows and switch off ventilators due to the heavy smoke in the vicinity.

Police in Antwerp have reported multiple fatalities and numerous injuries in connection with the fire that erupted on the eighth floor of the residential complex in the Linkeroever neighborhood where over 200 people reside.”