Gunfire, explosions hit Brussels airport – At least 10 killed

ShiiteNews:: Shots have been fired followed by two explosions at Brussels Airport, reportedly killing at least 10 people.

Belgian state broadcaster said the Tuesday blasts had left several dead and many injured. National security level was raised to its maximum.

Belgian broadcaster RTBF quoted a hospital source as saying that up to 10 people were killed and 30 more wounded after the explosions.

Another explosion was reported at Brussels Metro Station close to EU institutions, Belgian broadcaster RTBF said.

In the airport, shots were fired prior to the explosions, the Belgian news agency has reported.

Hundreds of people were evacuated onto the tarmac at the Zaventem Airport following the explosions. 

Belgian PM Charles Michel said he is following the situation “minute by minute,” adding that the victims are his “absolute priority.”

Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said: “There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help.”

The blasts are believed to have occurred at the American Airlines check-in desk at around 8 am local time (0700 GMT). 

Footage released on social media showed people running away with smoke billowing from the building. Windows were also shattered due to the shockwave. 

An MP whose wife present at the airport said that the wounded were hit by glass ceiling tiles.

The explosions came four days after the apprehension in Brussels of Salah Abdeslam, the main suspect behind the November Paris attacks that killed at least 130 people.

Belgian media said the airport was being evacuated and no flights were allowed. Rail transport to the facility was also halted. 

The Brussels airport serves 23 million passengers annually.