Explosions Shut Down Brussels Metro and Airport
Image courtesy of La Stib
An explosion at Malbeek Station in central Brussels, near the European Commission and Parliament buildings have shut down the Brussels Metro this morning, and services on all public transport including buses and trams have been suspended. La Stib, the metro operator, has reported one large explosion which has killed 15 people and injured a further 55.
A further 13 people were killed and 35 injured at Zaventem Airport. It is uncertain as to whether the explosions took place before or after the security checks, although current reports state that the explosions happened in the departure area. All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled until further notice.
Eurostar have suspended trains to Brussels and Lille, with trains running between London and Paris as normal. Security has been stepped up at transport hubs on the continent, with the Metropolitan Police in London releasing a statement saying that they have “mobilised additional officers, who will carry out highly visible patrols at key locations around the Capital including the transport network.”
Belgian prosecutors have said that the explosions were part of a highly coordinated suicide attack. The Belgian Prime Minister has called for calm and solidarity. The phone network in Brussels his struggling under the strain of individuals contacting their loved ones, authorities have instead urged people to use facebook and whatsapp. Facebook has enabled a feature for users in Brussels to check in as safe. Social Media has responded to the attack with messages of sympathy, solidarity and defiance.