Some of the residents were unable to leave the building, with many taking refuge on their balconies while waiting to be evacuated by firefighters.

As it was difficult for firefighters to access the upper floors, particularly because the ladders were not tall enough, the Belgian authorities called on the LAR intervention teams for assistance. Thus, the Luxembourg Air Rescue’s rescue helicopter, equipped with a winch, was requisitioned to support the already numerous rescue services on site.

Early in the evening, a LAR intervention team, in collaboration with the GRIMP (Groupe de reconnaissance et d’intervention en milieu périlleux) of the CGDIS, specially trained in winching operations and composed of an experienced pilot, a LAR winch operator, and a rescuer, took off from Findel and immediately headed to Liège.