Brussels, Belgium—A fire broke out Tuesday at a major renovation site in the heart of the city. Flames moved rapidly through the structure located in the central shopping district. Approximately 250 workers were evacuated from the premises as emergency sirens echoed through the streets. Firefighters entered the building under heavy smoke to locate those still inside.

Crews found charred remains inside one of the elevator shafts. The victims were discovered after thermal cameras and rescue dogs cleared the lower floors of the building. Spokespeople from the labor inspection office confirmed that the fire started on the second level. The heat caused the elevator mechanism to fail while individuals were inside the cabin.

Three workers were taken to local hospitals with severe burns and smoke inhalation. Their conditions remain stable but medical staff have not cleared them for interviews with investigators. The remaining employees were accounted for during the headcount held in a nearby plaza. Panic gripped the scene as colleagues waited for word on the missing.

Brussels mayor Philippe Close arrived at the site to observe the containment efforts. He stated that the response from the fire department prevented the situation from becoming worse. The building is a high-traffic area, but the swift evacuation of the shopping zone minimized civilian exposure. Emergency teams worked until late into the night to secure the perimeter.

Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed his shock at the scale of the loss. The government has ordered a full audit of the fire safety protocols used by the renovation contractors. Investigators are now focused on how the flames entered the elevator shaft so quickly. Electrical failure remains the primary theory for the spark on the second floor.

Workers on site reported feeling intense heat shortly before the alarms triggered. Many abandoned their tools and equipment to flee toward the stairwells. Those who were on the upper levels faced a harrowing descent through thickening black smoke. The building remains closed while the site is considered a dangerous crime scene.

Forensic teams are working to identify the six victims found in the lift. The process is expected to take several days due to the severity of the burns. Families have been contacted and are providing dental records to assist in the identification. A sense of mourning has descended upon the construction crews gathered near the site.

The building is slated for a long-term renovation, but all work is now halted indefinitely. City officials continue to assess the structural integrity of the charred shafts. The investigation into safety negligence is moving forward as authorities interview project managers.