Hoboken (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Five individuals were injured in a residential fire in Hoboken. Authorities are investigating the incident, with potential malicious intent not ruled out.
Three persons were overtaken by smoke, and two people leaped from the first floor of the impacted building. The Antwerp police, Belgium, said the fire was most likely caused on purpose.
Tonight, a building of apartments on Rector Vermeilenlaan caught fire. Five persons were injured in all.
“Two people tried to escape and jumped down from the first floor. Three other people were overcome by the smoke and therefore had to receive medical attention. No one had to go to the hospital,”
says Kim Bastiaens of the Antwerp police.
“The forensic lab will be on site on Friday morning because there are suspicions of malicious intent.”
How are investigators determining if malicious intent was involved in the fire?
Determining the precise location or source of the fire is essential. Unusual fire patterns or various places of origin are common in intentionally started fires.
Investigators search for trailers, incendiary devices, accelerants (such as gasoline), irregular fuel distributions, or aberrant burn patterns that point to intentional ignition.
This include collecting objects like matches, lighters, ignitable liquid containers, tool marks, damaged windows, and forensic evidence like blood, fibers, fingerprints, or hairs.
First responders, victims, and witnesses’ statements aid in establishing the timeframe, suspicious activity, forced entry, and other pertinent information.
Investigators look for evidence of forced access or previous threats, whether the building was secure, and whether sprinklers or fire alarms were tampered with.
