New Delhi:
A series of apparently coordinated explosions ripped through Brussels airport and a city metro station today, killing 34 people and wounding over 200 in the latest attacks to target Europe.
There were also “around 10 killed at the Maalbeek metro station where there was an enormous explosion,” he said. “Most of the wounded have been evacuated. The scene is rather chaotic,” he said.
In Pics: Twin blasts rock Brussels Airport leaving 21 people dead
The toll at the airport was “initial,” he said. “A false ceiling collapsed with lots of rubble and so there could still be more victims,” Meys added.
Twin blasts at Brussels airport#Brussels Airport Explosions: 17 feared dead; several injured
Posted by Newsnation on Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said: “There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help.”
Passengers were led onto the tarmac and the crisis centre urged people not to come to the airport. The explosions happened only days after the prime suspect in the Paris attacks Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels.
Indian Embassy's helpline in Brussels :
— Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 22, 2016
+32-26409140
+32-26451850 (PABX) &
+32-476748575 (mobile) Pl RT
Incidentally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to visit Brussels on March 29th. Also, major airports in India have been put on alert following the blasts. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said he has spoken to the Ambassador and that there were no reports of any Indian casualties.
Here are some of the tweets by witnesses.
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
Don't come to the airport - airport is being evacuated. Avoid the airport area. Flights have been cancelled.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
PHOTO: Damage inside #Brussels airport main terminal after two large explosions - @wardmarkey pic.twitter.com/n0Zjo33A6m
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) March 22, 2016
Multiple explosions at airport Brussel - #terrorism pic.twitter.com/dDs2W2vtTi
— Thijs Becker (@ThijsSquare) March 22, 2016
With inputs from angencies.
