Fire destroys waffle factory in Forest, no injuries

A major fire at a waffle factory in Forest sent clouds of thick black smoke over southern Brussels on Thursday, interrupting rail services and forcing the evacuation of 200 nearby schoolchildren.

Residents were told to stay indoors with their doors and windows closed after the fire broke out at lunchtime at Milcamps, on an industrial estate near Neerstalle tram stop. Toxicity tests on the smoke later revealed no danger to public health.

Firefighters called in reinforcements from elsewhere in Brussels and the blaze was put out by late afternoon. Forest mayor Marc-Jean Ghyssels said there were no injuries.

The factory is completely destroyed. The exact reason for the fire is being investigated, Milcamps management said.

Trains out of the Gare du Midi - including international Eurostar and Thalys services - were briefly halted as a precautionary measure. STIB tram services resumed in time for the evening commute.

Photo: Dirk Waem/Belga

#Incendie à #Forest On ignore encore s'il y a des blessés ainsi que l'ampleur du sinistre #Milcamps https://t.co/swjLdmUXeW pic.twitter.com/X9Dfq85tRS

— lalibre.be (@lalibrebe) 23 novembre 2017