NIEL, Belgium – Three workers were hospitalized on Thursday evening after a fire broke out at a concrete plant in Niel, located in Antwerp province.
The Rivierenland fire brigade reported the incident on Friday, stating that the fire started in a machine, which had to be dismantled to fully extinguish the flames.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, and the fire was brought under control before it could spread further.
However, three employees sustained injuries and required medical attention. The severity of their injuries has not been disclosed.
Fire Contained, But Employees Affected
According to the fire brigade, the fire ignited in an industrial machine used at the facility. Due to the nature of the equipment, firefighters had to partially dismantle it to access and eliminate all traces of the flames.
“It was a complex operation, but thanks to the quick response, we managed to contain the fire and prevent further damage,” a spokesperson for the Rivierenland fire brigade said.
The injured workers were promptly assisted by paramedics and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition remains unknown, but authorities have confirmed that all three were conscious when they were taken away.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Authorities are conducting an investigation to assess whether it was triggered by a mechanical failure, overheating, or another factor.
Fire safety inspectors were expected to visit the site on Friday to examine the remains of the damaged machinery and ensure that all safety protocols were followed.
A representative of the concrete plant stated that the company is cooperating fully with investigators.
“The safety of our employees is our top priority. We are working closely with the authorities to determine the cause of this incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” the spokesperson said.
Minimal Disruption to Operations
Despite the fire, the plant is expected to resume normal operations soon. The affected machinery was isolated, preventing significant disruptions to the company’s production schedule.
Employees were briefly evacuated as a precaution, but many were able to return to work once firefighters confirmed the area was safe.
Local residents reported seeing smoke coming from the facility on Thursday evening but did not hear any explosions or major disturbances. Firefighters assured the public that the situation was under control within a short time.
This incident follows a series of industrial fires reported across Belgium in recent months, prompting renewed discussions about workplace safety measures in high-risk environments.
Authorities are expected to release further updates on the investigation and the condition of the injured workers in the coming days.
