Belgium: Gasworks death toll now at 15

A massive gas blast that could be felt six miles away killed at least 15 people and injured about 100, including firefighters and police, near Brussels today.

The explosion at an industrial park in Ghislenghien, about 20 miles south-east of the Belgian capital, was caused when construction workers pierced an underground gas distribution line, acting provincial governor Guy Petit said.

Two nearby factories also caught fire from the midmorning blast, which was felt six miles away.

Police Inspector Jean-Jacques Perrin said there had been a gas leak from a pipeline 20 feet underground which was followed by an explosion and a huge blaze in a factory.

Heavy smoke hung over the area. Residents were advised to stay indoors with their windows shut, but authorities said there was no evidence of toxicity and no evacuation was ordered.

Army units were called in to help co-ordinate the disaster response, including the closure of the E429 motorway through the area, with cars forced to exit at Ath or Enghien.

A federal crisis centre was co-ordinating emergency services and hospitals.

Health Minister Rudy Demotte was rushing back by military aircraft from a Bulgarian holiday to visit the scene and hospitals.