The two Irish students killed in a fire in the Belgian city of Leuven have been named as Dace Zarina (19) and Sara Gibadlo (22). Both of the women were on Erasmus work placements from Galway-Mayo IT (GMIT).
The students, of Polish and Lithuanian origin, were among 10 Irish women living at the house and attending the Irish College in Leuven.
Another eight all escaped the blaze and are now undergoing medical checks. They are not believed to be seriously injured, but are said to be suffering from shock.
Meanwhile the Irish Ambassador has arrived in Leuven to liaise with the students and the authorities.
A police spokesperson says they are working to establish the cause of the fire.
At around 6am local time, flames burst through the roof of the house, described as an ordinary family home on the corner of a street in Leuven. Neighbours propped ladders against the windows of the home to help those inside the house to escape.
Belgian authorities say the fire at the red-brick building was so intense it caused the roof to collapse and it took over three hours before firefighters could enter.
Jens Franssen from Radio 1 in Belgium spoke to The Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk. He says the Mayor has told reporters the house was not known to be listed as official student accommodation, something that requires special permissions, including fire escapes.
