Oxy Building in Brussels. Photo: PP Photos / Shutterstock.com A fire broke out at a building under renovation in central Brussels on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Emergency services continue operations at the scene of the blaze at the Oxy building complex near Place de Brouckère.
Belgium's King Philippe has visited the scene of the devastating fire, where he was briefed by emergency services and local authorities on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
In a statement posted by the Belgian Royal Palace, the monarch said he had traveled to the affected area to receive updates on the situation and the progress of relief operations.
Belgium's Minister of Security and the Interior, Bernard Quintin, described the incident as a "true tragedy" in a message shared on social media.
"Horrified by the true tragedy that took place in the heart of our capital. My heartfelt thoughts go out to the victims, their loved ones, and those who are still waiting. A huge thank you to our firefighters and all the services that remain mobilized."
Emergency personnel remain on site as authorities continue to assess the extent of the damage and investigate the cause of the blaze. Officials have yet to release a full account of casualties and the impact on the surrounding area.