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Liege Collapse Update #2

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NINE DAYS AGO ON JANUARY 9 was the collapse of the 5-story apartment house in the center of Liege, Belgium.

If you missed the original report, click to the Firegeezer STORY HERE that includes the dramatic video of the building collapsing while the firefighters  were attacking the fires started several hours earlier from a gas explosion.  Then CLICK HERE for the first update covering the rescue operations and more dramatic videos.

This Wednesday February 3, the 13th victim was recovered from the debris of the collapse.  It was a male who has not yet been identified.  Yesterday the police re-opened the street allowing the residents to return to their homes.

liege3 b

RTL-TV Belgium has this video report on the recent recovery (our friends in Quebec can tell us what he’s saying):

This afternoon, services were held for the victims and their families at the Saint Paul’s Cathedral.  During the services, a standing ovation was given the firefighters as they entered the cathedral.  RTL also reported it on this video:

There are three photo galleries of shots documenting the area and building removal HERE.

Assisted and prepared by Fireball.

Posted by on February 5, 2010 • Filed under: Firefighting Operations, Mass Casualty Incident, Videos
  • AJ

    RTL NEWS
    EXPLOSION IN LIEGE: 13TH VICTIM RECOVERED FROM DEBRIS
    Gregory: Good day. A 13th victim has been recovered from the debris in Liege. Search operations which were able to resume yesterday have now been terminated. A report on the number of victims will be given in a couple minutes. The night has been long and above all difficult for both first responders and those close to the deceased.
    Aurelie: 2300 hours. First responders discover the 13th victim of Leopold Street. The body is that of an adult claimed by the catastrophe exactly one week ago. Firefighters were certain an additional person was present in the building the night of January 26th, a black night in the heart of Liege.
    Daniele: Their search operation continued tonight and a 13th body was recovered. The body retains, like the others, legal status so scientists will be able to do their analysis.
    Aurelie: First responders, on their knees in the debris, search the ruins by hand for the slightest element in the dust and bricks. The premises are certain that neighboring buildings are sound. The excavators advance, and the same job repeats for hours.
    Daniele: From contact with the police, I've learned that all evidence involved in the collapse has now been examined, so the number of casualties will stop at 13.
    Aurelie: The firemen, civil protection and forensic team have searched to the very end, down to the foundation for the families. Some are still uncertain, torn between despair and hope for a life saved.

  • firegeezer

    Thank you for the translation of the video, AJ. It is appreciated.

    Firegeezer

  • AJ

    RTL NEWS
    EXPLOSION IN LIEGE: 13TH VICTIM RECOVERED FROM DEBRIS
    Gregory: Good day. A 13th victim has been recovered from the debris in Liege. Search operations which were able to resume yesterday have now been terminated. A report on the number of victims will be given in a couple minutes. The night has been long and above all difficult for both first responders and those close to the deceased.
    Aurelie: 2300 hours. First responders discover the 13th victim of Leopold Street. The body is that of an adult claimed by the catastrophe exactly one week ago. Firefighters were certain an additional person was present in the building the night of January 26th, a black night in the heart of Liege.
    Daniele: Their search operation continued tonight and a 13th body was recovered. The body retains, like the others, legal status so scientists will be able to do their analysis.
    Aurelie: First responders, on their knees in the debris, search the ruins by hand for the slightest element in the dust and bricks. The premises are certain that neighboring buildings are sound. The excavators advance, and the same job repeats for hours.
    Daniele: From contact with the police, I've learned that all evidence involved in the collapse has now been examined, so the number of casualties will stop at 13.
    Aurelie: The firemen, civil protection and forensic team have searched to the very end, down to the foundation for the families. Some are still uncertain, torn between despair and hope for a life saved.

  • firegeezer

    Thank you for the translation of the video, AJ. It is appreciated.

    Firegeezer