Explosion in Hoboken apartment building kills at least two people

A powerful explosion destroyed the upper part of a building in Antwerp's Hoboken district on Thursday morning, killing at least two people. At least three people are still being searched for.

A crane is removing rubble and the local fire brigade is searching for more victims. The search is likely to continue late tonight and possibly into tomorrow morning.

The public prosecutor, the examining magistrate, the forensic laboratory, the forensic doctor, a fire expert and the DOVO demining service are all on the scene. The police say that everything is being done to ensure the safety of the emergency services during the rescue operation.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation. The police are not releasing any details, saying only that they are "making every effort to create a safe environment for our people".

Bart De Wever, who is currently in charge of exploring options for the next Flemish and federal governments, visited the scene in his capacity as mayor of Antwerp. The palace announced that King Philippe will visit Hoboken on Friday morning, to meet victims and rescue workers.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO DIRK WAEM}