Two explosions in the Departure Hall of Brussels International Airport have killed at least 13 people at the airport and a metro station. Belgium’s terror alert has been raised to its highest level while flights into the airport have been diverted to Frankfurt, Germany.
All updates in Universal Coordinated Time (UTC), according to DW.COM reports:
At least 13 have died from explosions which rocked the departure hall of Brussels’ airport during rush hour on Tuesday morning. Another explosion was reported at a metro station in Brussels near European Commission buildings, leading the institution to shut down operations for safety concerns.
09:42: Several political leaders have expressed concern over the events unfolding in Brussels.
Germany’s Justice Minister said, “Today is a black day for Europe.”
German Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks responds to the news from Brussels. “My thoughts are with the victims, their relatives, and friends.” Germany’s Anti-Discrimination agency called the explosions “horrific.”
Belgium’s national football team also tweeted their condolences for those killed and injured in the blasts.
The Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev said he “strongly condemns” the attacks. Iraq’s Kurdistan Regional Government Foreign Minister Falah Mustafa said his “thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims.”
09:27: Security at airports around Europe has been raised in light of the blasts in Brussels. Airports in Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam, as well as London’s Gatwick airport, has stepped up security.
Some of the flights intended for Brussels have been diverted to Frankfurt airport.
09:25: Belgium’s crisis center advised people to stay inside as all public transportation in Brussels has been closed.
09:12: 13 people have died as a result of the deadly explosions at Brussels’ international airport and metro stations, according to local media in Brussels. Federal prosecutors said that 35 have been injured so far.
09:06: The European Commission has locked down its staff in response to explosions at the Brussels airport and possibly two metro stations which are located close to EU institutions.
09:05: A suicide bomber is responsible for the Brussels airport explosions which have killed at least 10 people so far, reported Belgian broadcaster VRT.
08:33: Brussels Transport Authority has closed all metro stations in Brussels following an explosion at the Maalbeek metro station which is situated close to the European Union headquarters. Police shut down several blocks surrounding the station and have continued widening the cordoned-off zone.
“The metro was leaving Maelbeek station when there was a really loud explosion. It was panic everywhere. There were a lot of people in the metro,” Alexandre Brans, 32, told the Associated Press.
Passengers stuck on metro trains were evacuated following metro station closures.
08:29: At least 10 people were killed and over 30 injured in the bomb blast at the airport, reported public broadcaster RTBF citing the Saint-Luc hospital in Brussels.
08:24: Authorities in Belgium have raised the country’s alert to its highest level, which indicates a “serious and imminent” threat, reported local media.
08:22: Another explosion has been confirmed at the Maalbeek metro station close to EU buildings, reported DW’s Max Hoffmann.
08:00: Brussels airport has been closed until further notice, with no flights leaving or arriving at the airport.
07:40: Smoke could be seen rising from the terminal building where the windows had been shattered. A video shared by Twitter user Anna Ahronheim, who did not take the video herself, shows people running away from the building amidst confusion.
07:30: At least one person has died as a result, federal police told news agency Belga. Witnesses on the scene said that several people were injured.
“There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help,” said airport spokeswoman Anke Franse.
More to follow…
