ANTWERP – A substantial oil spill has emerged in the city centre of Antwerp, extending from Groenplaats through the Wilde Zee shopping area and terminating at the Kaaien near the Scheldt river.

The spill has rendered numerous roads slippery, prompting authorities to advise the public to steer clear of affected areas until the hazardous conditions are resolved.

Emergency services, including the Antwerp fire brigade, are actively managing the situation.

Jasmien O, a spokesperson for the fire brigade, noted that the oil trail poses considerable risks to pedestrians and cyclists, as these areas typically experience heavy foot and vehicle traffic.

In response, crews have been dispatched to clean the affected streets using specialized materials designed to mitigate the slick conditions.

In an effort to ensure public safety, traffic restrictions have been implemented, with significant portions of the city centre closed off to vehicles.

This precautionary measure aims to prevent additional accidents and facilitate the ongoing cleanup operations.

Emergency teams have further mobilized support from neighboring fire stations, Civil Protection entities, and city services to expedite the removal of the oil.

Although the fire brigade has confirmed that it remains safe for pedestrians to navigate the area, cyclists are advised to exercise extra caution due to the dangerous road conditions.

The response teams are actively working to address the situation; however, the cleanup may take a considerable amount of time before the area can be deemed safe for normal activities.

The exact cause of the oil spill has yet to be determined.

Investigations are underway, with officials considering various possibilities, including a potential leak from a vehicle or improper disposal of oil.

The priority for emergency services continues to be the thorough cleanup of the site to restore safety to the public spaces in central Antwerp.