Seven dead in Belgian apartment blaze

Seven people were killed and 23 injured in a fire early today at a public housing complex in south-east Belgium.

Elio Di Rupo, mayor of the town of Mons, said four people died in their flats on the 12th floor. Three others died after jumping from the 12th floor to escape the flames.

The fire at the Les Mesanges complex started just after midnight, apparently on the second floor. Flames and smoke spread quickly to the 12th floor through electrical shafts, causing widespread damage.

Officials said 23 people suffered from smoke inhalation and were taken to hospitals for treatment. The complex housed 150 people, officials said.

Firefighters in Mons, 45 miles south-east of Brussels, said they were still investigating how the blaze started.