Erin Seils|
Just three days ago, attacks took place in Brussels, Belgium home of the European Union’s headquarters.
What happened?
Three bombs were detonated on Tuesday. The first two explosions occurred at 07:58 local time (06:58 GMT) only moments apart in the departure lounge of the main terminal in Zaventem airport. According to witnesses, people fled from the scene of the initial detonation only to be hit by the subsequent bomb, next to the main entrance.
The third and final blast took place in the Maelbeek metro station around an hour after the first bomb went off . The final bomb was set off in the middle carriage of a three carriage train that was just leaving the station, near various EU establishments. The train driver stopped the train straight away and cleared out the passengers from the site.
How many were injured?
A total of 31 deaths have been confirmed by officials so far but this number has the potential to rise. Maggie De Block, Belgian health minister, has said that the two bombs in Zaventem caused the deaths of 11 people and injured 81. The Maelbeek station attack killed 20 people. Approximately 300 people were injured in total, including some Brits, and 61 are still in a life-threatening condition.
Who were the attackers?
Although the names of all the attackers have not been confirmed yet, the Islamic State group has claimed responsiblity for the attacks. Brothers Brahim and Khalid el-Bakraoui, jihadist Najim Laachraoui and two other men are among the suspected.
Is Belgium safe?
The UK foreign office have warned against travel to Brussels for the time being. Belgium has also raised its terrorist threat to the maximum level after the events of Tuesday.
Those planning on travelling to Belgium soon are advised to contact their travel agent and those already in the country have been told to follow all instructions given by Belgian authorities.
How has Britain reacted?
While Britain’s terrorist threat level has stayed at the second-highest level on the scale, “severe”, security has been increased in UK airports and other areas as a precaution. Prime Minister David Cameron also met with the British government’s emergency committee, Cobra, following the attacks in Brussels.
