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