In a post on the social media platform Twitter the Antwerp Fire Service reports that by 1:30pm one person had been freed from the rubble.

However, there are probably other people under the rubble”.

Meanwhile, the Antwerp Local Police Service reports that the explosion in the Palmanshoevestraat in Wilrijk happened at 12:20pm. The police added that the emergency services are present in force. The police also report that several people have been injured and that there are still people trapped under the rubble.