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| Edited By: DNA Web Team |Source: DNA webdesk |Updated: Mar 23, 2016, 12:48 AM IST
Explosions tore through the departure hall of Brussels airport on Tuesday morning killing at least 34 people and injuring over 150 others and a second blast struck a metro station in the capital shortly afterwards, the Belgian public broadcaster RTBF said.
The Belga agency said shots were fired and there were shouts in Arabic shortly before the blasts at the airport. Pictures on social media showed smoke rising from the terminal building through shattered windows and passengers running away down a slipway, some still hauling their bags.
The blasts at the airport and metro station occurred four days after the arrest in Brussels of a suspected participant in November militant attacks in Paris that killed 130 people. Belgian police had been on alert for any reprisal action.
Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said: "There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help."
Brussels airport said it had cancelled all flights and the complex had been evacuated and trains to the airport had been stopped. Passengers were taken to coaches from the terminal that would remove them to a secure area.
There has been a high state of alert across western Europe for fear of militant attacks backed by Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the Paris attack.
Live coverage following the Brussels attack here.
I have spoken to Manjeev Puri our Ambassador in Brussels. Our Embassy officials are attending on the injured in the hospital: Sushma Swaraj
US state department says an undetermined number of US citizens injured in Brussels blasts, early indications are that no Americans were killed.
Jet Airways Statement:#Brussels pic.twitter.com/4xP37gIHtK
— Jet Airways (@jetairways) March 22, 2016
Police find bomb, IS flag in Brussels search.
Belgian prosecutor says 'too early' to make links with Paris attacks
Belgian prosecutor says 'too early' to make links with Paris attacks.
200 Jet passengers hv boarded the bus from Brussels airport 2 the hotel. Only 15 left the airport to be taken in 2nd trip.
Several raids under way across Belgium: prosecutor
Belgium police issue warrant and CCTV photo of man on the run since Brussels attacks at the Zaventem airport.
#Belgium police issue warrant and CCTV photo of man on the run since #Brussels attacks at the #Zaventem airport pic.twitter.com/HZ9IDqdo1o
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
Belgium police issue warrant and CCTV photo of man on the run since Brussels attacks at the Zaventem airport.
Islamic State's official claim of credit for Brussels attack
#IS official claim of credit for #Brussels attacks: ""Statement about the blessed Brussels raid on Crusader Belgium" pic.twitter.com/7LYIhWqptH
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
The airport will also be closed tomorrow 23 March.
The airport will also be closed tomorrow 23 March. Tomorrow we'll evaluate & decide if @BrusselsAirport will resume operations on Thursday.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Third bomb failed to explode at Brussels airport: governor
The Belgian federal police released photograph of suspects of the terror attack.
Brussels attacks: Two on left thought to be suicide bombers while third man on the run https://t.co/6GwhgCpXP7? pic.twitter.com/poqc3i4crG
— Belfast Telegraph (@BelTel) March 22, 2016
UN chief Ban calls Brussels attacks 'despicable'.
Detailed statement by Jet Airways on its stranded Indian guests:
Jet Airways Statement:#Brussels pic.twitter.com/QXns4x31Nl
— Jet Airways (@jetairways) March 22, 2016
Indian Embassy too shared an update regarding the same.
Jet passengers stranded in #Brussels being shifted 4m airport.Food n acco being provided till situation normalises @SushmaSwaraj @MEAIndia
— India in Belgium (@IndEmbassyBru) March 22, 2016
Travel advisory for Indians travelling to Belgium by Indian embassy
Travel Advisory for all Indians @MEAIndia @SushmaSwaraj @aditi_tyagi @loveenatandon pic.twitter.com/43yCGZ0vCf
— India in Belgium (@IndEmbassyBru) March 22, 2016
A few images being shared on social media in solidarity with victims of Brussels attack-
Times like this we especially need PEACE, LOVE & UNITY! #Brussels pic.twitter.com/oOvVAJSUEd
— Electric Zoo NY (@ElectricZooNY) March 22, 2016
Manneken Peace and Love #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/fDq5Hz6DIr
— Manuel Jous (@jouzic) March 22, 2016
#Life & #Art must go on ... F*** #Terrorism ! #Art #JeSuisBruxelles #Zaventem #MannekenPis #NoAK47 #NoWar pic.twitter.com/IuC40efj4v
— Mazel Galerie (@MazelGalerie) March 22, 2016
Explosions à #Bruxelles : le pays de la bande dessinée en deuil #Brussels https://t.co/GQKfrKabGS pic.twitter.com/EoA8ABhiZh
— Le Monde (@lemondefr) March 22, 2016
Belgium calls three days of national mourning after attacks: official
Islamic State group carried out Brussels attacks, IS-linked Amaq agency
Amaq agency claimed credit for #brusselsattack #IslamicState pic.twitter.com/NQkzgIYNsu
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
#IslamicState releases poster praising the #Brussels attacks pic.twitter.com/bWlAjviUzb
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
Eurostar says all its trains to and from Brussels have been suspended until further notice: FT Brussels
The attacks in Belgium: what we know so far. Timeline and maps #AFP pic.twitter.com/R9qQSPK6wV
— AFPgraphics (@AFPgraphics) March 22, 2016
Police in major US cities stepped up security on Tuesday after more than 30 people were killed in attacks on an airport and subway in Belgium, though officials said there was no evidence of specific threats to the United States.
President Barack Obama spoke by telephone on Tuesday with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel to offer his condolences and support after the attacks in Brussels that killed at least 34 people, the White House said on Tuesday. "The President reaffirmed the steadfast support of the United States for Belgium, and offered any assistance necessary in investigating these attacks and bringing those responsible to justice," the White House said.
US President Barack Obama condemns 'outrageous' Brussels attacks.
The odds of Britain voting to leave the European Union in a June referendum narrowed on Tuesday as attacks in Brussels that killed at least 34 people were seen boosting the 'Out' campaign.
A new Twitter account called "Brussels Lift" was created to offer practical help by connecting "people who need to travel with drivers who have empty seats". People were using the hashtag #BrusselsLift to ask for rides and offer car spaces.
This cartoon by Le Monde, depicting France in solidarity with Belgium, is being widely shared.
#Bruxelles L'hommage de Plantu https://t.co/sBBY9mGViE pic.twitter.com/WNoXNAwCUT
— Le Monde (@lemondefr) March 22, 2016
Belgian authorities urged the media to refrain from reporting on the probe into triple bomb attacks in Brussels after some said raids were underway in the city.
"The federal prosecutor notes that certain journalists are reporting information about the investigation under way," a statement said. "The federal prosecutor urges the press to immediately refrain from conveying information relative to the investigation so as not to harm the inquiry," it said.
Wall Street opened lower on Tuesday after explosions in Brussels sparked fresh geopolitical concerns and sent investors scurrying for safe-haven assets.
Shares of American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Delta Airlines, were down between 3% and 1.6%. The broader NYSE Arca Airline index was down 1.8%. Gold rose 1% to $1,255 an ounce, while oil prices were swept lower.
"With economic growth so tepid around the world, including in the United States, the susceptibility to any type of terrorist attacks could highlight the market's fragility," said James Abate, chief investment office of Centre Funds in New York.
Two key railway stations in Brussels will reopen at 1500 GMT to allow for traffic to and from Belgium's capital, but the central station will remain closed for now in the wake of multiple bomb attacks.
Security at the southern and northern Brussels stations will be beefed up with 500 soldiers, the La Libre newspaper said.
In a news conference in Jordan which European Union's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini cut short after tears welled in her eyes, she said Europe and the Middle East should tackle together the radicalisation and violence which brought grief to both parts of the world.
"It's a very sad day for Europe as Europe and its capital are suffering the same pain that this region has known every single day - plagued in Syria, plagued elsewhere," she said in the Jordanian capital Amman.
US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton said despite the deadly attacks in Brussels, acts of terror "will not succeed" and vowed to stand by America's European allies. "Today's attacks will only strengthen our resolve to stand together as allies and defeat terrorism and radical jihadism around the world," the former US secretary of state said in a statement.
The mobile network near the Airport is not functional. But What'sApp is reachable, says Sushma Swaraj. Crisis Centre Belgium advises call Emergency numbers from landline
Fear and acrid smoke descend on Brussels.
Supporters of Islamic State praised on social media blasts in Brussels that killed about 20 people on Tuesday. "The state will force you to reevaluate your ways a thousand times before you are emboldened to kill Muslims again, and know that Muslims now have a state to defend them," said one supporter of the group on Twitter.
Shots were fired and words in Arabic shouted before the two explosions in the departure hall of Brussels airport, Belgan news agency reported.
Belgian media reports of Tihange nuclear plant evacuation
Belgium's royal palace in central Brussels was not evacuated on Tuesday following the blast, the palace said in an official twitter message. "Contrary to some reports, the royal palace has not been evacuated," the twitter message said. Earlier broadcaster RTBF had reported King Philippe and Queen Mathilde were in shock and the palace had been evacuated.
Belgium police to detonate suspect package at Brussels airport: crisis centre: AFP
Police discover non-exploded bomb belt at Brussels airport. Police find assault rifle next to dead attacker at Brussels airport, says Belgian private broadcaster VTM
Sushma Swaraj assures help from the Indian Embassy in Belgium to Indians stuck there. "I have again spoken to our Ambassador in Brussels. He has informed that all stranded Indian passengers are being provided hotel accommodation," she said.
Indian Embassy in Belgium @IndEmbassyBru is there to help you.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 22, 2016
I hv again spoken to our Ambassador in Brussels. He hs informed that all stranded Indian passengers are being provided hotel accommodation.
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 22, 2016
Jet Airways Statement: pic.twitter.com/Qrx5DGYdwH
— Jet Airways (@jetairways) March 22, 2016
I strongly condemn these hateful attacks. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families. We stand united against terrorism.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) March 22, 2016
One British national injured in Brussels explosions
Top Democrat on US House Intelligence Committee says Brussels attacks 'bear all the hallmarks of an ISIS-inspired, or ISIS-coordinated, attack'.
Video from Brussels metro moments after the attack:
On fait le point sur ce que l'on sait à la mi-journée des attentats de #Bruxelles >> https://t.co/45C9HZcglp pic.twitter.com/4A9qmKH8yp
— Le Figaro (@Le_Figaro) March 22, 2016
'We fear that people are still at large': Belgian foreign minister after attacks.
Jet Airways Statement:#Brussels pic.twitter.com/jX33Ad8v5m
— Jet Airways (@jetairways) March 22, 2016
European Union president Donald Tusk condemned the blasts. "I am appalled by the bombings this morning at Zavantem airport and the European district in Brussels which have cost several innocent lives and injured many others," Tusk said in a statement. "These attacks mark another low by the terrorists in the service of hatred and violence," he said: AFP
Belgian public broadcaster VRT raised the death toll from Tuesday's twin attacks in Brussels to 34, with 20 people killed in the blast on a metro train and 14 in explosions at the airport.
#ikwilhelpen and #OpenHouse are useful hashtags if you are stuck in #Brussels and need help with shelter or transport
— Sunny Singh (@sunnysingh_nw3) March 22, 2016
Donald Trump on Brussels attack
Do you all remember how beautiful and safe a place Brussels was. Not anymore, it is from a different world! U.S. must be vigilant and smart!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 22, 2016
Reports that the police is currently carrying out house searches in Brussels, Trakterrorism.org.
Death toll rises to 26, says Reuters.
Brussels attacks 'violate' Islamic teachings: top Muslim body Al-Azhar.
Security has been boosted at all train stations where Thalys trains operate, the company said in a statement. "This means that there will be no Thalys trains."
Thalys, France-Beneleux Train Operator says the entire network has been closed after the attacks.
Slovenian Diplomat injured the blasts - Foreign Minister
US Republican Presidential candidate Donal Trump reacted to the Brussels attacks and said,"I would close up our borders." -Fox News
Emergency numbers for the Brussels attacks
Indian Embassy's helpline in Brussels :
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 22, 2016
+32-26409140
+32-26451850 (PABX) &
+32-476748575 (mobile) Pl RT
1771 is the crisis helpline for #Brussels. Use text or socmed - whatsapp, FB, twitter - to communicate https://t.co/jkxAn3DXUS
— Sunny Singh (@sunnysingh_nw3) March 22, 2016
Other important helpline numbers here
The EU flags are lowered at half mast in condolence for the attacks.
#EU flags lowered to half mast in condolenace for #Brussels attacks, confirmed terrorist nature pic.twitter.com/YnxXnDuiqC
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
All flights at Brussels airport cancelled for today.
All flights at #brusselsairport today are cancelled. Contact your airline for further instructions. Avoid the surroundings of the airport.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
PM will visit Brussels On March 30 for 13th India-EU Summit. PM will proceed to Washington DC to participate in Nuclear Security Summit on March 31st- April 1: Vikas Swarup, MEA Vikas Swarup, MEA
PM will visit Brussels On March 30 for 13th India-EU Summit: Vikas Swarup, MEA pic.twitter.com/KgcT7NBmBy
— ANI (@ANI_news) March 22, 2016
Two arrested in Brussels attack.
#Breaking: 2 men arrested in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/DB807FzqqU
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
French president François Hollande speaks about the attack, says, the whole of Europe has been hit.
French President Francois Hollande speaks about terror in #Brussels. Watch live: https://t.co/NUvltSuGkW https://t.co/OEQzLCwzR6
— CNN (@CNN) March 22, 2016
Passengers being evacuated from Brussels metro station.
Passengers evacuated after blast at #Maalbeek metro station in #Brussels via @EurActiv https://t.co/O3W8C2rpPm
— BBC Breaking News (@BBCBreaking) March 22, 2016
https://t.co/XmIoeKfE9F
Brussels attacks are 'black day' for Belgium: PM Michel
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel says 'This is a dark moment for our nation. We need calm and solidarity. we know there are many dead, many injured,' AP
Belgian prosecutor has confirmed that the Brussels blast was a suicide attack: RTBF.
#BREAKING 'Many dead, many seriously injured' in Brussels attacks: Belgian PM
— AFP news agency (@AFP) March 22, 2016
Location of blasts at #Brussels' Zaventem airport. (Courtesy: RFE/RL)
PM Modi condemns attacks
News from Brussels is disturbing. The attacks are condemnable. Condolences to families of the deceased. May those injured recover quickly.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 22, 2016
#Brussels update: Unconfirmed reports of 3 more unexploded IEDs / explosive belts found in #Zaventem airport pic.twitter.com/GNLH8AZbhf
— TRACterrorism.org (@TRACterrorism) March 22, 2016
The deadly explosions at Brussels airport on Tuesday were carried out by a suicide bomber, Belgium's federal prosecutor said, broadcasters VTM and RTBF reported, without giving more details. (Reuters)
The deadly explosions at Brussels airport on Tuesday were carried out by a suicide bomber, Belgium's federal prosecutor said, broadcasters VTM and RTBF reported, without giving more details.
Two cabin crew of Jet airways injured in #Brussels. Both are Indian, one has eye injury.
However, an Indian lady crew member of Jet Airways is injured. She has been rushed to the hospital./2
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 22, 2016
All flights between #Brussels and Mumbai, Delhi cancelled
All flights from Mumbai to Brussels cancelled until further notice.
Passengers evacuated.
All passengers who were still in the Piers have been evacuated.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
All people in the Front car parks can leave the car parks now.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Jet Airways Statement: pic.twitter.com/UsleBShhDL
— Jet Airways (@jetairways) March 22, 2016
All airport operations today have been suspended. Contact your airline for more information about your flight.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Questions about family or friends > Call 02/753.73.00
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
David Cameron is to chair a meeting of the UK government’s emergency committee.
I will be chairing a COBRA meeting on the events in Brussels later this morning.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) March 22, 2016
# All public transports closed in Brussels.
# Belgian crisis centre asks people to stay where they are.
All public transport in #Brussel is closed. Metro and train stations closed. Stay where you are. #zaventem
— CrisisCenter Belgium (@CrisiscenterBE) March 22, 2016
Explosion at Metro Station in Brussel
Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said on his twitter feed: "We are following the situation minute by minute. Our priority concern is for the victims and those present in the airport."
Nous suivons la situation minute par minute. La priorité absolue va aux victimes et aux personnes présentes dans l'aéroport @BrusselsAirport
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) March 22, 2016
Federale regering volgt de situatie op de voet. Absolute prioriteit gaat naar de slachtoffers en naar de hulpverlening op de luchthaven.
— Charles Michel (@CharlesMichel) March 22, 2016
Have spoken to our Ambassador. No report of any Indian casualty, says MEA on explosions at Brussels airport. (PTI)
The entire Metro system in Brussels has been closed.
Fermeture du métro #STIB
— STIB-MIVB (@STIBMIVB) March 22, 2016
Sluiting van alle metrostations #MIVB
All metro stations are closing #Brussels @zpz_polbru
Unconfirmed reports of an attack at a Brussels metro station close to the EU buildings at Maalbeek.
Explosión metro maalbeek pic.twitter.com/9KIEhLMOin
— Serge Massart (@massart_serge) March 22, 2016
Video from inside #Brussels airport just after the blast pic.twitter.com/uavwdm1qCY
— Abraxas Spa (@AbraxasSpa) March 22, 2016
Shots were fired and words in Arabic shouted before two explosisions on Tuesday in the departure hall of Brussels airport, Belgan news agency reported. (Reuters)
PHOTOS: Images of injured coming from #Brussels airport - @jasminechic1 pic.twitter.com/6OWudROY0P
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) March 22, 2016
Brussels Airport cancels flights, evacuates passengers
Brussels Airport is cancelling flights and evacuating the airport area, it said on its Twitter account following two explosions
Don't come to the airport - airport is being evacuated. Avoid the airport area. Flights have been cancelled.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
There have been 2 explosions at the airport. Building is being evacuated. Don't come to the airport area.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
According to latest reports, 11 people have been killed.
BREAKING: Firefighters report 11 dead and 25 wounded in #Zaventem airport explosions https://t.co/g7freWwKns
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) March 22, 2016
# The blasts occurred four days after the arrest in Brussels of a suspected participant in November militant attacks in Paris that killed 130 people.
# Sky News television's Alex Rossi, at the scene, said he heard two "very, very loud explosions".
# Passengers were seen running away down a slipway from the departure lounge.
PHOTO: Damage inside #Brussels airport main terminal after two large explosions - @wardmarkey pic.twitter.com/n0Zjo33A6m
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) March 22, 2016
Video Airport #Brüssel #Explosion
— Muschelschloss ️☕ (@Muschelschloss) March 22, 2016
RT @AAhronheim: #BREAKING: Two loud explosions at #Zaventem airport in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/riZnLzLvVL
