Hoboken (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Fire on Sint-Bernardsesteenweg, Hoboken; 8 hospitalised (including mother, 2 kids, firefighter, police officer). Fire likely arson; young male relative arrested. Quick firefighter-medical response prevented the worst. Investigation ongoing.
As VRT News reported, a fire broke out in an apartment building on Sint-Bernardsesteenweg in Hoboken, a district within the city of Antwerp, Belgium, specifically on the second floor, causing a large amount of smoke.
The fire happened near a fire station. Upon arrival, they discovered, on the roof of the building, a few victims who had likely fled to the top in an attempt to keep safe from the heavy smoke inside. Firefighters used a ladder truck to get all of the victims down safely from the roof.
Because of the number of people affected, the fire department initiated a medical intervention plan, a coordinated emergency response that brought in extra ambulances and medical staff to help the many people who needed care.
Who set the Hoboken fire that injured 8, including children?
8 people were taken to the hospital because they breathed in too much smoke. A mother and her 2 young children were among the injured, and they are in serious condition, but they are not in danger of dying. Medical teams helped the injured people and took them to the hospital for more care.
Because the firefighters and medical teams acted quickly, things didn’t get worse. The authorities will probably try to find out what caused the fire, and there will be updates on how the injured people are doing as they continue to get medical treatment.
A police officer and a firefighter also needed medical help. They were injured while trying to save a cat. The cat was scared and scratched and bit them during the rescue. The police are now investigating the fire, suspecting that it was intentionally set.
A man in his twenties, who is a relative of the children’s mother, has been arrested in the case. Investigators are looking to ascertain the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire through forensic scientists’ analysis of the scene.
As part of the ongoing investigation, the fire department will be collecting more witness statements. The investigators are working very hard to understand what led to this fire and to ensure that all of the tenants are safe and well.
