2023-06-29 14:01:00
Of the 90 apartments in this 14-storey building, around forty were permanently damaged by the flames.
The residents of the Ganshoren apartment building who were evacuated on Tuesday evening following a fire cannot yet return to their homes, said the mayor of the commune Jean-Paul Van Laethem. The announcement was made following a team of experts visited the damaged building. Psychosocial assistance and meals are provided in the reception center made available to evacuees.
A series of checks must still be carried out, but residents are nevertheless authorized to collect personal effects there. “Safety is not guaranteed, but the building remains stable“, assures the mayor.
The experts confirm that the start of fire is accidental, communicates the mayor once more. The fire would have taken on a terrace on the 7th floor, caused by cigarette butts.
Forty damaged apartments
Of the 90 apartments in this 14-storey building, around forty are permanently damaged by the flames, adds the mayor.
But even in apartments that have been spared, residents can only return if safety is guaranteed. “It will still take time to complete the repairs. We try to find solutions as quickly as possible with the organizations concerned for the inhabitants of the building“, poursuit M. Van Laethem.
Current emergency measures, such as reception by CPAS and hotels, remain in place.
“It’s a miracle there weren’t more injuries following the fire. But each injured person is already one victim too many”, further comments Mr. Van Laethem. Four people had to be taken to hospital and two others were treated at the scene.
With Belgium
►Report by A. Delvaux, T. Rommens and H. Moriamé
1688127196
#Fire #Ganshoren #fire #terrace #7th #floor #caused #cigarette #butts
