At least 21 dead in Brussels blasts–firefighters

By: 9 years ago

Firefighters arrive at the scene near Maalbeek metro station, on March 22, 2016 in Brussels, after a blast at this station near the EU institutions caused deaths and injuries. AFP PHOTO / EMMANUEL DUNAND / AFP / EMMANUEL DUNAND

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Belgian firefighters said at least 21 people had died after “enormous” blasts hit Brussels airport and the city’s metro system on Tuesday.

Pierre Meys, spokesman for the Brussels fire brigade, told AFP that 11 people died in twin blasts at Brussels airport.

There were also “around 10 killed at the Maalbeek metro station where there was an enormous explosion,” he said.

“Most of the wounded have been evacuated. The scene is rather chaotic,” he said.

The toll at the airport was “initial,” he said.

“A false ceiling collapsed with lots of rubble and so there could still be more victims,” Meys added.