Eurostar delayed after waffle factory fire in Belgium

Eurostar trains were delayed after a huge fire at a waffle factory in Brussels.

A fierce fire at the Milcamps factory, which produces trademark Belgian waffles, disrupted road and rail traffic and forced the evacuation of nearby factories and a school.

Police said the blaze broke out at lunchtime and originated in the cooling system and quickly spread. There were no reports of injuries.

“A lot of smoke has been emitted and we are advising people to keep doors and windows shut and to stay inside. Drivers should close air vents in their cars," local police said.

The national rail company said a major link through the capital had to be closed off, creating traffic chaos as the evening rush hour approached.

Eurostar trains were suspended momentarily as the fire was tackled.

Belgian waffles, traditionally sold from mobile vendors and street kiosks, have become popular around the world.

They are batter cooked between hotplates patterned according to various regional traditions and dusted with icing sugar.

Their history dates back to the wafers baked for Mass in the mediaeval monasteries of the Low Countries.

Agencies contributed to this report