At least 26 killed in Belgium terror attacks
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Joshua Berlinger and Nima Elbagir, CNN Newswire
BRUSSELS, Belgium (CNN) — Fifteen people were killed in Tuesday’s blasts at a metro station in Brussels, the Brussels Metro Authority said. Additionally, Belgian media are reporting 11 people were killed in Tuesday’s explosions at the Brussels airport. That would bring a count of the dead in both attacks to at least 26.
Two explosions occurred at the airport in Brussels on Tuesday.
Federal police at the airport at Zaventem told CNN that “there has been an explosion” and “something has happened.”
Dozens of people have been taken on stretchers out of the airport, according to eyewitnesses.
The Brussels airport tweeted that there have been two blasts and said that “the building” is being evacuated. They also said all airport operations have been suspended and asked those nearby to remain calm.
Anthony Barrett said he heard something at about 8 a.m. local time from his hotel across from the terminal building.
“When I opened the curtains and looked out, I could see people fleeing,” he told CNN.
He said he’s seen about 19 or 20 stretchers carrying people so far. Luggage trollies were also being used to transport the wounded.
“It’s clearly a very serious incident,” he said.
It’s unclear what caused the blasts, or if they’re related to terrorism.
The airport is currently being evacuated and a disaster plan has been initiated, according to CNN affiliate RTL. Passengers have been directed to the runways.
Witnesses told RTL at least one of the two explosions took place in the airport’s departure hall.
The incident comes after Salah Abdeslam, a man who authorities say was involved in the Paris terror attacks last year, was arrested in the Brussels suburb of Molenbeek on Friday.