The fire at potato processor Clarebout was caused by an invisible leak in the baking ovens. The hot oil vapour landed on a hot surface and caught fire. The ventilation vents caused the blaze to spread quickly. This is the conclusion of the Flemish fire expert.
There are nine injured in total. A 43 year old fireman continued to extinguish the fire without oxygen for 15 minutes. This has caused 75% of his lungs to be burnt. His condition is stable but still critical.