One Dutch person hurt in Brussels bombings

By Zack Newmark on March 22, 2016 - 18:44
Red Cross - Brussels response
Paramedics are joined by Red Cross workers in the aftermath of the Brussels bombings. Mar. 22, 2016 (photo: Juriaan Lahr / Red Cross). (Paramedics are joined by Red Cross workers in the aftermath of the Brussels bombings. Mar. 22, 2016 (photo: Juriaan Lahr / Red Cross))

At least 34 people were killed and another 230 injured in targeted attacks on Belgium Tuesday morning. Two bombs were detonated in a departures hall at the Zaventem airport there, causing 14 deaths and wounding 100. The others were killed or hurt when a bomb went off inside a subway car at the city’s Maalbeek metro stop near European Union offices and several media agencies.

None of those killed are believed to be from the Netherlands, and only one of those hurt is Dutch, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry announced Tuesday evening that it is aware of one lightly wounded Dutch citizen.

That person was injured during the incident at Zaventem, the ministry confirmed.

After a third bomb was found and detonated by a police explosives unit at Zaventem, Belgian authorities announced that the Brussels Airport will be closed until at least 12 p.m. on Wednesday. The airport handles an average of 1,400 passengers travelling to or from the Netherlands on a daily basis, according to 2013 figures.

Those in Brussels were also warned of lengthy lines at train stations, and were advised to delay travel if possible. Nearly all trains to Belgium from the Netherlands were cancelled on Tuesday in response to closures at Brussels train stations. The NS Stoptrein service was still in operation from Roosendaal, Noord-Brabant to Antwerp, Belgium on Tuesday evening, as was the Maastricht to Liege train.

NS Intercity trains from Amsterdam Centraal to Brussels Midi could resume by 2 a.m. on Wednesday, the railway said on its website.

People needing help or information from the Dutch ministry were encouraged to call +31 247 247 247. Their Belgian counterparts are also running a hotline, which may be reached at +32 781 517 71.

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