Belgium: Emergency crews responding to structure fire near Central Station in Antwerp the morning of Sept. 23

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a fire at an unoccupied building along Vestingstraat near Central Station in Antwerp the morning of Sept. 23. The cause of the fire is not immediately clear. There have been no reports of casualties.

Heightened security, as well as localized business and transport disruptions, are likely in the coming hours as firefighting operations continue. Authorities have closed Vestingstraat and Pelikaanstraat to traffic and advised the public to avoid the area. There have been no reports of train service delays at Central Station.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Seek alternative routes and allow additional time to reach destinations near the impact area, including Central Station, through the afternoon of Sept. 23. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.