Belgian police revise Antwerp apartment fire death toll down to five

Antwerp police said the death toll in the Linkeroever apartment fire has been revised down to five after searches of the burned building ended, changing earlier reports that had put the number at at least six.

The fire broke out Wednesday morning, July 1, 2026, in a 10-story apartment block in Antwerp that housed more than 200 residents in 80 apartments. Police said the blaze began on the ground floor because of a technical failure, and the top floors were the worst affected.

Many people were injured, with reports describing both serious and minor injuries. The building was evacuated, and displaced residents were taken to a local shelter or reception center.

Search and response

Emergency services worked for hours in difficult conditions, with firefighters and other teams including a drone unit involved in the response. Authorities also urged nearby residents to keep windows and doors closed and, if needed, turn off ventilators because of heavy smoke.

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever expressed condolences and praised the emergency responders.

Investigation continues

Police said the cause remains under investigation. The immediate questions now are the identification of the five victims, the final injury toll and the precise technical failure that started the fire.

The revised death toll followed a continuing search of the scene, after initial reports had said at least six people died.