Two die in Antwerp as buildings collapse

Two residential buildings and a restaurant collapsed on Monday night following an explosion on Paardenmarkt in Antwerp. Two people died in the accident, and 14 more are in hospital, some with serious injuries.

Emergency services arrived at the scene at about 21.30 to find that two residential structures, one situated above Primavera pizzeria and one next to it, had collapsed. The buildings came down following an explosion.

The cause of the explosion is not yet clear, but terrorism has been ruled out. Two of the victims were missing overnight, and their bodies were found in the rubble this morning. Of the other 14 wounded, five are in serious condition and one is critical.

Paardenmarkt is in the north of Antwerp’s city centre, near the main campus of the university. It is a student area, and many students live in the street and surrounding neighbourhood.

Several surrounding buildings were also damaged in the blast. Emergency shelter is being sought for those who had to be evacuated.

“Our city experienced a terrible explosion tonight,” mayor Bart De Wever said on Twitter. “Thank you to the emergency services on site. A investigation will follow to determine the circumstances. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Antwerp will support you.”