The fire broke out around 8:30 p.m. in a house in Wilrijk. The exact circumstances of the fire outbreak have yet to be investigated, but it appears a chimney was involved, according to police district spokesman Wouter Bruyns.
“There was strong smoke coming out of the house,” he said. “The resident opened the doors and windows to let the smoke escape, but lost consciousness while inhaling it. Firefighters attempted to resuscitate him, but he did not survive. Two other people were slightly intoxicated and were hospitalized for control.
