The fire started around 4:15 p.m. near Bergensesteenweg, in a car company that dismantles vehicles. According to Mayor Jan Desmeth (N-VA), the fire started while grinding work was being carried out, but the fire brigade could not yet confirm this.
The company owner tried to extinguish the fire, but was unsuccessful. The flames subsequently spread to an adjacent building. There was an explosion there, which caused the building to collapse.
During the afternoon, firefighters also advised residents from the surrounding municipalities, including Vorst and Anderlecht, to keep windows and doors closed and to turn off ventilation equipment.
The Flemish Brabant West fire brigade zone was assisted by colleagues from the Brussels zone during the extinguishing works. They say they will be busy extinguishing the fire for several hours.
