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The fire started on the second floor of the building in a main
shopping area, and the flames spread into a lift shaft, said
Brecht Speybrouck, a spokesperson for the Labor Audit Office. He
said that 250 workers at the site were evacuated.
First responders struggled to get to the lift shaft, where at
least two elevators had been blocked. On Tuesday evening, the
Labor Audit Office confirmed that six bodies were found in one
of the elevators, according to Belgian broadcaster RTBF. The
bodies had not been identified.
Brussels mayor Philippe Close told The Associated Press that
thermal cameras and sniffer dogs were used to try to find the
victims.
He said that “firefighters, rescue workers and police were there
immediately. Everyone knew what they had to do and that probably
helped to avoid a greater tragedy.”
Belgium's King Philippe toured the site several hours later
along with Prime Minister Bart De Wever.
Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was “shocked”
by the incident.
“My thoughts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and
everyone still in uncertainty,” Quintin said in a post on social
media. “A sincere thank you to our fire department and all
emergency services for their dedication.”
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