Warning: Graphic Images
#BREAKING: Two loud explosions at #Zaventem airport in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/JFw9RGLjnh
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) March 22, 2016
Two loud explosions have been heard at the departures area of Zaventem airport in Brussels, prompting the evacuation of passengers and all flights to be cancelled.
According to Twitter user Anna Ahronheim, whose bio says she is a Defense Correspondent for I24News, at least 11 people have been killed and 20 people have been injured.
The Belgian fire service has confirmed this, telling local media there were at least several dead and wounded, BBC reports.
Update: Several injuries reported after large explosions at @AmericanAir departure hall pic.twitter.com/1DzSHS2b3l
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) March 22, 2016
Zaventem now. #belgium #brusselsattack #BrusselsAirport #breaking pic.twitter.com/PAppJb7PJB
— Giorgi Tabagari (@Tabagari) March 22, 2016
The blasts come four days after the capture of Salah Abdeslam in Brussels – the main suspect in the November Paris attacks.
Reports say at least one of the explosions was close to the American Airlines check-in area, but this has not been confirmed.
Belgian media reported several people were injured in a departure hall and smoke was seen rising from one of the terminal buildings. Transport links to the airport have also been suspended, The Guardian reports.
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
Passengers that are still located in other area's in the airport are asked to remain calm and wait for further information.
— Brussels Airport (@BrusselsAirport) March 22, 2016
Belgium’s Het Laatste Nieuws reports that more bombs have been found. The Belga news agency reports that shots were fired and shouts in Arabic were heard before the two explosions.
Sky News television’s Alex Rossi, at the scene, said he heard two ‘very, very loud explosions’: “I could feel the building move. There was also dust and smoke as well … I went towards where the explosion came from and there were people coming out looking very dazed and shocked.”
Belgium has now raised its terror threat to its highest level, BBC reports.
More details soon.
