Updated: scroll down.
A BUILDING IN THE CENTER OF LIEGE, BELGIUM, was ripped by an explosion at 1:45 am local time this morning (Wednesday). The blast is believed to have been caused by natural gas, but when the FD arrived the interior of the building was demolished with several fires in different locations throughout the 5-story structure.
Sud Presse (Belgium)
Fortunately for the FF’s, the building was untenable and all the fire attack had to be done from the outside.
Sud Presse
Five hours later while the FF’s were still knocking down the fires from outside, the building suddenly collapsed to the ground.
This news video courtesy of Sky News shows the collapse:
There were about 20 people injured by the collapse with at least two hurt seriously. Early reports say that two, and perhaps four, people are unaccounted for, but it was not said whether they are firefighters or civilians.
Reuters
Paris Match has the early STORY.
Sud Presse has a 172-image photo gallery HERE.
Update, 5 pm:
A 13-yr.-old girl has been found alive in the rubble as the rescuers continue their extensive search of the building. The total number injured and hospitalized now stands at 23. Later in the evening the body of one dead was located and removed.
Update, 10 pm:
More bodies have been retrieved. See Firegeezer Update posting with more information and additional videos HERE.
Also on FireGeezer…
- 16 Dead In Hospital Blast, Collapse – January 20, 2010
- China Mine Blast Kills 46 – November 21, 2009
- Chemical Ka-Boom in Texas – December 9, 2009
- Schoolgirl Burned in Science Lab Explosion – November 12, 2009
