Brussels, Belgium – In a dramatic scene that unfolded on Tuesday morning, a massive fire engulfed the Centre Monnaie, a prominent building located in the heart of Brussels.
The blaze sparked concerns as workers found themselves trapped on the roof of the structure, casting a shadow of fear over the bustling city center.
Witnesses reported seeing smoke billowing from the iconic cross-shaped building, which overlooks the bustling Place de la Monnaie and Place De Brouckère.
Walter Durieuw, the spokesperson for the Brussels fire brigade, confirmed the severity of the situation, stating that firefighters swiftly responded to the call to extinguish flames on the top floors of the building.
“The situation escalated rapidly as an old ventilation unit ignited,” Durieuw stated. “However, I can confirm that all workers and the crane operator have been successfully brought to safety,” he added, providing a glimmer of relief amidst the chaos.
Helicopters were deployed as part of the rescue operation, aiding in the safe extraction of workers trapped on the precarious rooftop of the site, as reported by La Libre.
Thankfully, despite the intensity of the inferno, there have been no reported injuries, with none of the individuals present suffering from smoke inhalation.
While the fire has been brought under control, the diligent efforts of the fire brigade continue as they work towards complete extinguishment. Notably, the fire brigade’s 64-meter long ladder, acclaimed as the longest in Europe, was instrumental in facilitating the operation.
Durieuw emphasized that the section of the building affected by the fire had already undergone asbestos removal, mitigating potential health risks to the public.
However, the magnitude of the blaze underscores the importance of swift and efficient emergency response protocols.
Prior to the incident, the Centre Monnaie housed administrative services of the City of Brussels and served as the headquarters of Bpost until the conclusion of 2022.
Presently, the building is undergoing extensive renovation and is slated to transform into the Oxy building upon completion.
The ambitious redevelopment project aims to revitalize the historic structure, offering a multifaceted space that encompasses offices, a 316-room hotel, 112 residential units spanning over 12,000 square meters, and a rooftop adorned with an expansive open-air terrace.
As authorities work to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the cause of the fire, the resilient spirit of Brussels shines through amidst adversity.
The swift and coordinated response serves as a testament to the unwavering dedication of emergency responders and the collective resolve of the community in times of crisis.
As the city begins the process of recovery and restoration, the Centre Monnaie stands as a symbol of resilience, poised to emerge from the ashes stronger than ever before, ready to welcome a new chapter of vitality and renewal.
This article was created using automation and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
