5 killed, 16 injured in apartment building fire in Antwerp, Belgium

Five people were killed when a fire broke out at an apartment building in Antwerp, Belgium, forcing residents to evacuate as crews searched the building for victims, according to officials.

The fire was reported Wednesday morning at an apartment building on August Vermeylenlaan in Linkeroever, a district on the left bank of the Scheldt River in Antwerp, according to the Antwerp fire department.

Officials said five people were found dead in the building. At least 16 others were treated for smoke inhalation, but none of the injuries were life-threatening.

Fire officials said the blaze appeared to have started because of a technical problem on the ground floor, but the cause remains under investigation.

Video from the scene showed residents trying to escape through windows as smoke poured from the burning apartment building. Firefighters used ladders to reach several upper-floor units while evacuations continued.

Residents were evacuated from the building, and a medical intervention plan was activated because of the number of people involved. The fire was fully extinguished by late afternoon.

Evacuated residents were taken to a nearby reception center, and victim support teams were sent to assist them. By Wednesday night, officials said everyone affected had been given a place to stay.

Some residents were allowed back into the building to pick up belongings or feed pets, while most residents of a neighboring apartment building were allowed to return home. The affected building was later secured by a private security company as emergency crews left the area.