All residents of the affected De Lovie building have a new shelter
But De Lovie has now succeeded in finding a shelter for everyone while waiting for them to return to their familiar living environment.
In any case, it is not possible to return to the building in Poperinge in the near future. There is quite a bit of smoke, soot and water damage on several floors. It will take a long time to clean everything and repair the damage. In the meantime, the more than 50 residents in need of help have to be accommodated elsewhere. Brigitte Provoost, De Lovie: “We looked for good reception places. They are currently being taken care of in four hospitals, temporarily. And we are now putting together the puzzle of where they can stay temporarily afterwards while waiting for their return. In the meantime, shelters have been found for all residents.”
Overwhelmed by smoke
Twenty people were transferred to the Jan Yperman Hospital in Ypres last night as a precaution. But during the evacuation, some people turned out to be overcome by the smoke. The disaster scenario in the emergency room was rolled out. Lore Dewulf, Emergency Planning Jan Yperman Hospital: “We called up four extra emergency personnel this night. They immediately came to start up the organization and help to receive the patients.”
Maarten Delaere, Head Nurse Emergency Jan Yperman Hospital: “We have an internal alarm procedure for this, in which we then assess, we have so many nurses, doctors, but also other disciplines, social services, psychologists for the care of patients who suddenly arrive in large numbers .”
There are currently 16 people still staying in the Jan Yperman hospital.