At least five people are dead following a major fire at a ten-story apartment tower in Antwerp, Belgium. The blaze broke out Wednesday morning, prompting a massive emergency response.
Police spokesperson Kim Bastiaens confirmed the fatalities but said it was too early to determine the total number of injured or the cause of the fire. Initial reports of six deaths were revised down.
Survivors described harrowing escapes. Resident Jaklien Hearen evacuated with her dog after smelling smoke. Geert Dewulf, who lived on the top floor, said he barricaded himself on a terrace before firefighters rescued him with a ladder.
Multiple fire brigades and ambulances responded. Authorities advised nearby residents to keep doors and windows closed due to heavy smoke. Belgium's Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences to the victims.