Brussels explosions: multiple casualties after airport and metro blasts

There have been reports of multiple casualties – possibly as many as 23 – after explosions at Zaventem airport and Maelbeek metro station in Brussels. Here’s what we know so far:

• The explosions at the airport were minutes apart and took place at about 8am local time (7am GMT), according to local media. At least one explosion was in the departures area.

• There has been no official confirmation that the blasts were an act of terrorism, but the Belgian state prosector said the airport explosion was a suicide attack.

• Brussels airport confirmed that there were two explosions at the site and the airport had been evacuated. It warned people to stay away from the area.

• Brussels airport will stay closed until 6am on Wednesday and Eurostar has suspended trains to and from Brussels Midi station.

• Police confirmed at least one death. Belgian broadcaster RTBF said up to 13 people were killed and 35 wounded in the airport explosions. It cited a hospital source for the figures, according to Reuters.

• Belgian broadcaster VTM said a further 10 people were killed in the blast at the Maelbeek station, which is about 500 metres from EU buildings. The Metro system in Brussels was closed following the attack and pictures showed passengers being evacuated from a train. This death toll has not been corroborated.

• The Belgian government has put the country on the highest alert following the explosions. Brussels is on lockdown, with museums reported to have been shut.
• Belgium’s prime minister, Charles Michel, said his government was monitoring the situation minute-by-minute. The “top priority” was the victims, he said in a tweet.