Authorities looking for 6 missing in a Brussels building fire find charred bodies in a lift

BRUSSELS -- A fire broke out Tuesday at a building being renovated in downtown Brussels, injuring two people and leaving six missing. Authorities in the Belgian capital said that a number of charred bodies had been found in an elevator at the site.

The fire started on the second floor of the building in a main shopping area, and the flames spread into a lift shaft, said Brecht Speybrouck, a spokesman for the Labor Audit Office.

Speybrouck said 250 workers at the site were evacuated, two were taken to a hospital with severe burns and six were missing. He said charred bodies were found in one of the elevators, but did not give a number and could not clarify whether they included any of the missing.

First responders struggled to get to the lift shaft. Brussels mayor Philippe Close told The Associated Press that thermal cameras and sniffer dogs were used to try to find the victims.

He said that “firefighters, rescue workers and police were there immediately. Everyone knew what they had to do and that probably helped to avoid a greater tragedy.”

Belgium's King Phillipe toured the site several hours later.

Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin said he was “shocked” by the incident.

“My thoughts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and everyone still in uncertainty,” Quintin said in a post on social media. “A sincere thank you to our fire department and all emergency services for their dedication.”