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World leaders reacted with shock and resolve Tuesday to a terror attack in Brussels that killed at least 31 people and wounded more than 150 others.
34 people were killed and many others injured after two explosions rocked Brussels’ Zaventem Airport Tuesday morning at about 8 a.m., causing heavy damage and panic, Belgian media reported.
An hour later, an explosion was heard at a city centre metro station in what appears to be a separate terror attack.
Metrostation #maelbeek #schuman also struck … #brussels #mivb #Bruxhell pic.twitter.com/M83m8pnQ7o
— Bram Vandamme (@VdammeBram) March 22, 2016
Residents living in Brussels have been told to avoid making phone calls.
Phone networks are becoming saturated, Alexander De Croo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Development Cooperation in Belgium said.
They were told: “Brussels mobile networks are getting saturated. Please contact through data messages: Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter. Avoid calls.”
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.”
“The thinking here is that it is some kind of terrorist attack – that hasn’t been verified by any of the authorities here at the airport.”
Video showed devastation inside the departure hall with ceiling tiles and glass scattered across the floor.
Flights cancelled and airport evacuated
Brussels airport said it had cancelled all flights and the complex had been evacuated and trains to the airport had been stopped.
Passengers were taken to coaches from the terminal that would remove them to a secure area.
An Aer Lingus flight, which was due to have landed at Brussels this morning, has been diverted to Amsterdam.
#BREAKING: Two loud explosions at #Zaventem airport in #Brussels pic.twitter.com/JFw9RGLjnh
— Anna Ahronheim (@AAhronheim) March 22, 2016
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement he was “outraged and deeply saddened” by news of the attacks.
“Canada stands by Belgium in this difficult time and has offered all possible assistance,” said Trudeau. “We will continue to work closely with our allies and the international community to help fight and prevent terrorism here and abroad, and to bring to justice those who are responsible for planning and carrying out these senseless acts.”
Obama underlines U.S. support
U.S. President Barack Obama, in the midst of a state visit to Cuba, addressed the bombings as he began his first speech in Havana Tuesday morning.
“The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium,” Obama said. “We stand in solidarity with them in condemning these outrageous attacks against innocent people.
"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium" —@POTUS on the attacks in #Brussels https://t.co/TWxnIDfDqL
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) March 22, 2016
Agencies/Canadajournal
