Fire sparks central Brussels traffic chaos

10 May 2004

BRUSSELS – Firemen closed Rue Arenberg in central Brussels on Monday after a fire swept through two buildings in the street, causing major traffic disruption.

The fire broke out in the early afternoon in a derelict building in Rue Arenburg, just behind the central Place de la Monnaie, and rapidly spread to the building next door.

Firemen quickly closed off the street, causing major city centre traffic problems.

Five people were evacuated from the blaze using extendable fire-fighting ladders.

Three of the evacuees were squatters who were subsequently taken in for questioning, Belgian broadcaster RTL reported on its website.

Firemen brought the blaze under control shortly before 3pm.

[Copyright Expatica 2004]

Subject: Belgian news