Several people have died in a major fire that occurred in the OXY building in the center of Brussels.

A large fire broke out in the OXY building, located near Place De Brouckère in Brussels, on Tuesday, causing a tragedy with multiple victims.

According to firefighters, the fire started on the second floor and spread to an elevator shaft. Search and rescue operations are underway, and the exact number of victims remains unknown. Labor inspector Brecht Speybroeck stated that the toll is severe, and some victims were found in elevators. Two people were transported to the hospital with burns, and a firefighter received treatment for hyperthermia.

The Mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close, expressed condolences and thanked the intervention teams for their efforts. The fire occurred at a construction site intended for transforming the building into a multifunctional complex, and renovations are expected to be completed this year or early next year. Authorities have activated medical and psychosocial intervention plans to support the victims and their families.