One flat uninhabitable after fire at Leeghwaterstraat student housing complex

The fire alarm came in on Thursday evening at about 7.45 PM. An hour and a half later, the fire brigade was able to give the signal fire master. In the meantime, the residents who fled outside, all international students, saw the flames burst out of the façade. They escaped with a fright; no one was injured.

The fire brigade soon found out that the fire had started in the cavity wall on the fourth floor. These types of fires are known to continue to smolder unnoticed. To prevent that, the fire brigade filled the wall with water.

Repairing doors

After the fire master signal, most students were able to return to their homes. Except for two: they will probably be able to go home on Friday, when their doors have been checked and repaired. This is reported by a Duwo spokesperson, the landlord of the building. He adds that the fire brigade had to force the doors on Thursday evening to be able to do its job.

One apartment has been seriously damaged by smoke and water damage, according to the Duwo spokesperson. Fortunately, that house is currently uninhabited. The student who would soon move in will be assigned another room by Duwo.

It is not known when the investigation into the cause of the fire will be completed. Sometimes fires occur in cavity walls after work. That was not the case here, according to the Duwo spokesperson. He says he is very shocked by the fire. The residential complex in question is relatively new. Moreover, according to him, fire safety is of paramount importance to the student housing provider.