Toxic Industrial Fire in Tubize Releases Asbestos, Disrupts Belgian World Cup Camp

Fire breaks out in textile warehouse

A major industrial fire erupted late Monday morning in a textile building along the rue de la Filature in Tubize, a municipality in Walloon Brabant. The blaze quickly consumed the structure, causing its metal framework to collapse. Firefighters continued battling the flames into the evening, with the fire still active beneath the debris. A federal police helicopter was called in to assist by drawing water from the nearby canal. Tubize mayor Samuel D'Orazio stated that while the fire was under control, operations would likely last through the night or longer.

The metal structure of the building collapsed and the fire is still active under the debris. We hope that the fire can be contained during the night. A federal police helicopter was requested for reinforcement to supply water from the canal.

Toxic fumes prompt widespread safety measures

Smoke from the fire was found to contain asbestos particles, prompting authorities to issue shelter-in-place orders for Tubize and five neighboring communes: Hal, Lembecq, Braine-le-Comte, Ittre, and Rebecq. Residents were instructed to stay indoors, keep doors and windows shut, and avoid all non-essential travel. Emergency alerts were sent via the Be-Alert SMS system. In addition, homes along rue de Bruxelles and chaussée d'Hondzocht were evacuated, with evacuees being sheltered at the Tubize town hall. Local hospitals and retirement homes were notified to take protective measures for their patients and residents.

Due to the presence of toxic fumes, we are currently evacuating residents of rue de Bruxelles who are now being accommodated at the town hall.

Schools and public gatherings halted

As a precaution, the municipality of Tubize announced that all schools and nurseries would remain closed on Tuesday, with a possible extension to Wednesday depending on the situation. All public festivities and cultural events in the area were also suspended indefinitely. This included an art festival at the Château de Lembecq in Hal, whose attendees were asked to leave the premises on Monday.

Red Devils' World Cup preparations disrupted

The fire's proximity to the Proximus Basecamp, the training facility of the Belgian national football team, forced the Royal Belgian Football Association (URBSFA) to limit activities to the bare minimum. A press conference scheduled for Tuesday with player Matias Fernandez-Pardo was cancelled, and the team's training was moved to an alternative site, reportedly Neerpede. The first wave of 26 selected players, including Romelu Lukaku, Thomas Meunier, and Dodi Lukebakio, had arrived at the camp on Monday for the start of the team's World Cup preparation ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A second group is expected on Saturday, though striker Leandro Trossard will miss that session due to his involvement in the Champions League final with Arsenal against Paris Saint-Germain.

Given the violent fire currently raging in Tubize and at the request of local authorities, all activities at the Proximus Basecamp are limited to the strict minimum.

Investigation and outlook

The public prosecutor's office of Walloon Brabant has been informed and is currently treating the incident as accidental. A forensic expert will examine the scene once it becomes accessible. Three individuals reportedly suffered heat-related malaise due to the fire, but no serious injuries or casualties have been reported. Authorities continue to monitor air quality and will reassess the situation before any decision to reopen schools or lift safety measures.