3rd LD: At least 13 people reportedly killed at Brussels explosions
Xinhua, March 22, 2016 Adjust font size:
At least 13 people were reportedly dead after explosions at Brussels airport and a metro station on Tuesday.
At least 13 people were dead and 35 were wounded, local media said.
No further information are immediately available to confirm the figure of casualties. Earlier reports quoted the police confirmed one death.
Two explosions were heard shortly before 8 a.m. local time (0700 GMT) at the airport, Belgium's RTBF quoted witnesses as reporting.
Another explosion was reported at Maelbeek metro station which was around the European Union area.
The metro stations were closed and passengers were evacuated, people were asked to keep away from the metro station.
The threat level in Brussels was raised from 3 to maximum 4.
RTBF cited witness saying several people were seen injured or fainted in the departure hall of the sidewalk opposite the Sheraton Hotel near Maelbeek station.
"Due to two explosions at Brussels Airport this morning, March 22, the airport is closed until further notice," Brussels airlines announced at its official website.
The airport's departure hall was damaged heavily, one witness told Xinhua.
The airport was closed, no more flight arrives nor from Zaventem. The rail and bus traffic was also interrupted at the airport. Endit