Major fire at Clarebout Potatoes, nine injured

Fire fighters fought for several hours to bring the fire under control. Because of the danger of an explosion, residents from the surrounding area were evacuated from their homes to the Walvis community centre in nearby Wulveringem. The nine wounded – seven from smoke inhalation –  were taken to hospitals in Ypres and Bruges. Children from a local school were taken to the local church.

Environmental checks carried out by civil defence teams showed levels of phosgene, ammonia and carbon in the atmosphere at safe levels. However, because of heavy smoke, people living nearby were advised to keep doors and windows closed.

By early afternoon, the fire was under control, with the fire brigade allowing it to burn out. The factory was severely damaged. Claremont is the largest employer in the local area and will have serious consequences for the population, according to Heuvelland city councillor Wieland De Meyer.