Fire Destroys TEDI Store in Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont, No Casualties Reported

A major fire completely destroyed the TEDI discount superstore in Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a large-scale emergency response from the Hainaut-Centre fire zone. The blaze broke out shortly before 13:00 near the Marie Laguerre roundabout, sending thick smoke visible for kilometres across the area. Nearby roads were closed to traffic as fire crews arrived at the scene.

Firefighters deployed two pumpers, two aerial ladders, two water tankers, a command structure, and a specialised drone unit to combat the flames. Captain Benoit Filippi of the Hainaut-Centre fire zone confirmed that the fire was contained and its intensity was decreasing, but the entire large retail space had been destroyed. "The fire is now under control, and its intensity is decreasing thanks to our intervention, but the large surface area is completely destroyed," Filippi said.

Crews managed to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent businesses, and no injuries were reported. The evacuation of the store was conducted without incident. The mayor of Chapelle-lez-Herlaimont was present at the site as authorities began assessing the damage. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.