This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/mar/22/brussels-airport-explosions-live-updates

The article has changed 39 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 25 Version 26
Brussels attacks: city mourns as manhunt continues – live updates Brussels attacks: city mourns as manhunt continues – live updates
(35 minutes later)
11.15pm GMT
23:15
Belgium’s interior minister, Jan Jambon, has just been speaking to CNN about the manhunt that is currently underway to track the third suspect seen on airport CCTV.
He told CNN:
Based on what we found after the attacks, we had some information and we did a lot of house searches today …
It’s very dangerous to give details from the investigation because what we don’t want is to alert, maybe, terrorists that are still active in this country.
We showed a photograph [with] these three people … Two of them killed themselves, suicide bombers, and the third left a bomb in the airport but it didn’t explode, lucky. We are now looking for this guy.
Is the attack linked to the arrest of Paris suspect Salah Abdeslam in Brussels last week, he is asked. Jambon says he is proud of the professionalism of police and investigators. But he adds:
We are also convinced that the terrorists of IS are professionals, too, and well-trained and well-formed. So it’s a difficult battle against them but I am convinced that we will win.
Read analysis by my colleague Jason Burke here on the potential links between Abdeslam’s arrest and Tuesday’s onslaught:
Related: Brussels attacks: were they revenge for Abdeslam's arrest?
Updated
at 11.15pm GMT
11.01pm GMT
23:01
Details of injured Americans
We have some more details of Americans who were injured in the attacks. The AFP news agency has these details on three Mormon missionaries from Utah who were seriously wounded in the blasts at the airport.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said in a statement that Mason Wells, 19, Richard Norby, 66, and Joseph Empey, 20, were accompanying a French colleague who was heading to the US and was also wounded.
AFP reports:
US media reports said that in a dark twist of fate, Wells had a similarly close call three years ago while in Boston accompanying his mother who was running the marathon.
The event was the target of a terror attack that killed three and wounded scores more.
NBC News, quoting Wells’s family, said he was also in Paris in November when the French capital was rocked by a series of attacks.
Utah’s Deseret News daily quoted a friend of the Wells family as saying the teen and Empey had both suffered burns and other injuries.
Wells “has burns to his hands and legs and some to his face”, Lloyd Coleman told the paper.
“Most of the damage is around his foot and ankle. A heel took the most damage, and the doctors are repairing it, but the family doesn’t know how bad the injury is.”
The US air force earlier said one of its service members from Joint Force Command Brunssum (a Nato command), the Netherlands, along with several of his relatives were also injured but their names and details of their conditions have not been released.
Updated
at 11.19pm GMT
10.43pm GMT10.43pm GMT
22:4322:43
The front pages of Wednesday’s European newspapers are starting to emerge. Here are some of those from Belgium:The front pages of Wednesday’s European newspapers are starting to emerge. Here are some of those from Belgium:
De MorgenDe Morgen
Onze voorpagina van morgen #Brussel pic.twitter.com/gxb5VqcZcHOnze voorpagina van morgen #Brussel pic.twitter.com/gxb5VqcZcH
Le Soir Le Soir: ‘Hold on’
A la Une du @lesoir ce mercredi: "#TenirBon" https://t.co/cwwapndmZo pic.twitter.com/XvuO87jujYA la Une du @lesoir ce mercredi: "#TenirBon" https://t.co/cwwapndmZo pic.twitter.com/XvuO87jujY
Het Belang van Limburg Het Belang van Limburg: ‘Our darkest day’
Onze voorpagina van woensdag. #hbvl #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/a8Fhms9khzOnze voorpagina van woensdag. #hbvl #brusselsattack pic.twitter.com/a8Fhms9khz
De Tijd De Tijd: ‘Never safe’
Niet vergeten: om 17 uur een speciale editie van de tabletkrant. Vrije toegang voor iedereen. pic.twitter.com/otL5EZh1AzNiet vergeten: om 17 uur een speciale editie van de tabletkrant. Vrije toegang voor iedereen. pic.twitter.com/otL5EZh1Az
Updated
at 10.45pm GMT
10.20pm GMT10.20pm GMT
22:2022:20
Francis Vermeiren, the mayor of Zaventem, where the airport is located, has told reporters the suspects “came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags”:Francis Vermeiren, the mayor of Zaventem, where the airport is located, has told reporters the suspects “came in a taxi with their suitcases, their bombs were in their bags”:
They put their suitcases on trolleys, the first two bombs exploded.They put their suitcases on trolleys, the first two bombs exploded.
The third also put his on a trolley but he must have panicked, it did not explode.The third also put his on a trolley but he must have panicked, it did not explode.
The first two men are believed to have died in the attacks, the federal prosecutor said earlier on Tuesday.The first two men are believed to have died in the attacks, the federal prosecutor said earlier on Tuesday.
The third man, pictured wearing a light-coloured jacket and a hat in CCTV images from the airport, is thought to have escaped the scene of the explosions. Belgian police are staging a massive manhunt to find him.The third man, pictured wearing a light-coloured jacket and a hat in CCTV images from the airport, is thought to have escaped the scene of the explosions. Belgian police are staging a massive manhunt to find him.
10.04pm GMT10.04pm GMT
22:0422:04
Summary: what we know so farSummary: what we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
10.01pm GMT10.01pm GMT
22:0122:01
Muslim leaders in Belgium unilaterally condemned the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.Muslim leaders in Belgium unilaterally condemned the attacks in Brussels on Tuesday.
In a statement, the League of Imams in Belgium (La Ligue des Imams de Belgique), that it condemned “firmly the criminal and unspeakable acts” committed today, “which took the lives of tens of our citizens and injured countless others.”In a statement, the League of Imams in Belgium (La Ligue des Imams de Belgique), that it condemned “firmly the criminal and unspeakable acts” committed today, “which took the lives of tens of our citizens and injured countless others.”
The League added that it wanted to express “its entire solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of those struck by tragedy today” ... The League also said that, facing tragedy, the league called on “the solidarity of all the citizens of the country, of all confessions to overcome this and not to fall prey to “traps laid by those who wish to push us to the limits of tolerance and communal living.”The League added that it wanted to express “its entire solidarity and sincere condolences to the families of those struck by tragedy today” ... The League also said that, facing tragedy, the league called on “the solidarity of all the citizens of the country, of all confessions to overcome this and not to fall prey to “traps laid by those who wish to push us to the limits of tolerance and communal living.”
More on the statement here (in French).More on the statement here (in French).
9.45pm GMT9.45pm GMT
21:4521:45
Stib, Brussels’ mass transport operator, has updated residents on the state of transport in the city tomorrow (Wednesday):Stib, Brussels’ mass transport operator, has updated residents on the state of transport in the city tomorrow (Wednesday):
Metro line 2 operational again, but only stops at Simonis, Rogier, Madou, Trône, Louise, Midi, Delacroix & Beekkant. #stib #BrusselsMetro line 2 operational again, but only stops at Simonis, Rogier, Madou, Trône, Louise, Midi, Delacroix & Beekkant. #stib #Brussels
Our network tomorrow 23/3: we’re preparing a network with extra security. More info as from 6am #stib #brusselsattack @CrisiscenterBEOur network tomorrow 23/3: we’re preparing a network with extra security. More info as from 6am #stib #brusselsattack @CrisiscenterBE
Meanwhile, the Brussels Airport has tweeted that the airport will remain closed tomorrow, with passengers told to contact their airline for further instructions. No cargo flights are being allowed entry to the airport either, “only empty flights from international carriers are admitted. The brucargo zone landside is accessible.”Meanwhile, the Brussels Airport has tweeted that the airport will remain closed tomorrow, with passengers told to contact their airline for further instructions. No cargo flights are being allowed entry to the airport either, “only empty flights from international carriers are admitted. The brucargo zone landside is accessible.”
9.28pm GMT9.28pm GMT
21:2821:28
German police said on Tuesday night that they had arrested three people in a car with a Belgian licence plate near the border with Austria and had launched an investigation into whether they had planned to carry out an attack, according to Reuters.German police said on Tuesday night that they had arrested three people in a car with a Belgian licence plate near the border with Austria and had launched an investigation into whether they had planned to carry out an attack, according to Reuters.
The three suspects from Kosovo were arrested before the attacks that killed at least 30 people at a metro station and the international airport in Brussels, the spokesman said. Police made the arrests on a motorway in the southern state of Bavaria after receiving an intelligence tip-off.The three suspects from Kosovo were arrested before the attacks that killed at least 30 people at a metro station and the international airport in Brussels, the spokesman said. Police made the arrests on a motorway in the southern state of Bavaria after receiving an intelligence tip-off.
“Investigations have been launched into the suspected planning of a serious criminal act against the state because there was notification of that,” the spokesman said. He said there was no indication so far that the three suspects had any links to the attacks in the Belgian capital, adding that this could not be ruled out.“Investigations have been launched into the suspected planning of a serious criminal act against the state because there was notification of that,” the spokesman said. He said there was no indication so far that the three suspects had any links to the attacks in the Belgian capital, adding that this could not be ruled out.
Germany stepped up security measures at airports, train stations and the borders with Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg after the explosions in Brussels.Germany stepped up security measures at airports, train stations and the borders with Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg after the explosions in Brussels.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.35pm GMTat 9.35pm GMT
9.03pm GMT9.03pm GMT
21:0321:03
During the nighttime you can contact us via +3278151771. Tomorrow morning at 8 AM we will be back on social media. #BrusselsDuring the nighttime you can contact us via +3278151771. Tomorrow morning at 8 AM we will be back on social media. #Brussels
8.51pm GMT8.51pm GMT
20:5120:51
More details have emerged about the Americans hurt in the bomb blasts that killed 31 and wounded more than 200 people today.More details have emerged about the Americans hurt in the bomb blasts that killed 31 and wounded more than 200 people today.
An US air force officer, his wife and four children were injured in the attack at the Brussels airport, US officials said. European Command officials would not release details of the injuries to the Air Force officer or his family, due to privacy concerns, but officials confirmed the officer was a lieutenant colonel, and that he and his family were injured at the attacks in the airport.An US air force officer, his wife and four children were injured in the attack at the Brussels airport, US officials said. European Command officials would not release details of the injuries to the Air Force officer or his family, due to privacy concerns, but officials confirmed the officer was a lieutenant colonel, and that he and his family were injured at the attacks in the airport.
This comes as US authorities are set to bolster security at American airports and other transit hubs in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, despite officials saying they do not have credible intelligence about terrorism in the United States, write Spencer Ackerman and Amanda Holpuch:This comes as US authorities are set to bolster security at American airports and other transit hubs in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Brussels, despite officials saying they do not have credible intelligence about terrorism in the United States, write Spencer Ackerman and Amanda Holpuch:
The Transportation Security Administration will send additional personnel and security measures “to major city airports in the United States, and at various rail and transit stations around the country”, announced Jeh Johnson, the US secretary of homeland security, who called it a “precautionary measure” rather than a response to a specific threat.The Transportation Security Administration will send additional personnel and security measures “to major city airports in the United States, and at various rail and transit stations around the country”, announced Jeh Johnson, the US secretary of homeland security, who called it a “precautionary measure” rather than a response to a specific threat.
Johnson said his department, tasked with preventing or mitigating domestic terrorism, will monitor attempts by what he called “individuals of suspicion” to travel from Belgium to the US.Johnson said his department, tasked with preventing or mitigating domestic terrorism, will monitor attempts by what he called “individuals of suspicion” to travel from Belgium to the US.
More here:More here:
Related: US airports to see increased security after Brussels attacks, officials sayRelated: US airports to see increased security after Brussels attacks, officials say
8.43pm GMT8.43pm GMT
20:4320:43
Paul NolanPaul Nolan
For the aftermath of a terrorist atrocity, there was a surprising amount of laughter at the Zaventem crisis centre, writes Paul Nolan.For the aftermath of a terrorist atrocity, there was a surprising amount of laughter at the Zaventem crisis centre, writes Paul Nolan.
Those at the makeshift structure – a sports hall near Brussels airport – were the lucky ones, and they were counting their blessings.Those at the makeshift structure – a sports hall near Brussels airport – were the lucky ones, and they were counting their blessings.
Amid the hundreds of stranded passengers, Ian Boag, a a retired Briton who used to work at the European commission, said he had been in the departures hall when one of the blasts detonated. He said he hit the floor after hearing the blast and assumed it was a bomb. Last night he said he felt “homeless and undocumented”, but was relieved to be alive.Amid the hundreds of stranded passengers, Ian Boag, a a retired Briton who used to work at the European commission, said he had been in the departures hall when one of the blasts detonated. He said he hit the floor after hearing the blast and assumed it was a bomb. Last night he said he felt “homeless and undocumented”, but was relieved to be alive.
People in Zaventem yesterday were banding together. Officials toured the sports centre with signs offering travel to various cities, handing out apples, waffles and water.People in Zaventem yesterday were banding together. Officials toured the sports centre with signs offering travel to various cities, handing out apples, waffles and water.
Henry Dewespelaere, a 22-year-old butcher, was one of a team of local volunteers in fluorescent yellow vests compiling lists of the passengers’ names and nationalities.Henry Dewespelaere, a 22-year-old butcher, was one of a team of local volunteers in fluorescent yellow vests compiling lists of the passengers’ names and nationalities.
Thierry de Valck, a 43-year-old telecommunications operator from Zaventem, was another, offering free taxi rides to survivors. He said he had come to help after hearing that volunteers were needed on the radio. He was working from the morning and by yesterday afternoon had ferried dozens of people to various locations in Belgium except Brussels, which was gridlocked.Thierry de Valck, a 43-year-old telecommunications operator from Zaventem, was another, offering free taxi rides to survivors. He said he had come to help after hearing that volunteers were needed on the radio. He was working from the morning and by yesterday afternoon had ferried dozens of people to various locations in Belgium except Brussels, which was gridlocked.
Not everyone, though, could be so easily helped. Sixteen-year-old Fazillah, traveling from Mumbai to Newark on Jet Airways with a stopover in Brussels with her younger sister and mother, said she was waiting for her father to pick her up. The family said they were unaware of the security situation in Brussels and had never heard of Salah Abdeslam.Not everyone, though, could be so easily helped. Sixteen-year-old Fazillah, traveling from Mumbai to Newark on Jet Airways with a stopover in Brussels with her younger sister and mother, said she was waiting for her father to pick her up. The family said they were unaware of the security situation in Brussels and had never heard of Salah Abdeslam.
Nico and Isabelle, a young Franco-Belgian couple, were figuring out what to do next. They had planned a skiing trip and had boarded a flight to Geneva before being evacuated. Nico said he had been alerted to the blasts by a crowd of distraught people near the duty-free area and was ushered away into a secure location. Despite the commotion, the couple were told to board their flight- only for the aeroplane to sit on the runway for nearly an hour, at which point the pilot confirmed the blasts and passengers were evacuated to an airport hangar before being transported to the crisis centre.Nico and Isabelle, a young Franco-Belgian couple, were figuring out what to do next. They had planned a skiing trip and had boarded a flight to Geneva before being evacuated. Nico said he had been alerted to the blasts by a crowd of distraught people near the duty-free area and was ushered away into a secure location. Despite the commotion, the couple were told to board their flight- only for the aeroplane to sit on the runway for nearly an hour, at which point the pilot confirmed the blasts and passengers were evacuated to an airport hangar before being transported to the crisis centre.
8.32pm GMT8.32pm GMT
20:3220:32
Belgian PM Charles Michel joined crowds gathered at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels tonight, to light a candle in memory of Tuesday’s attack victims.Belgian PM Charles Michel joined crowds gathered at the Place de la Bourse in Brussels tonight, to light a candle in memory of Tuesday’s attack victims.
A makeshift memorial has popped up in the heart of the city, with messages of condolence, outrage and love by people from around the world written in chalk on the pavement where the lit candles were placed.A makeshift memorial has popped up in the heart of the city, with messages of condolence, outrage and love by people from around the world written in chalk on the pavement where the lit candles were placed.
Some among the crowd broke out into an impromptu rendition of Imagine by John Lennon. Others stood in sombre silence as teams of armed police officers stood by in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist atrocity.Some among the crowd broke out into an impromptu rendition of Imagine by John Lennon. Others stood in sombre silence as teams of armed police officers stood by in the wake of Tuesday’s terrorist atrocity.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.35pm GMTat 8.35pm GMT
8.19pm GMT8.19pm GMT
20:1920:19
The Belgian Crisis Center has said that schools will be open tomorrow in Brussels.The Belgian Crisis Center has said that schools will be open tomorrow in Brussels.
At this moment everything looks forward that the schools will be open tomorrow #BrusselsAt this moment everything looks forward that the schools will be open tomorrow #Brussels
The center also put out an FAQ in English here (.pdf). Included an explanation of what threat level 4 means and information on travel on security.The center also put out an FAQ in English here (.pdf). Included an explanation of what threat level 4 means and information on travel on security.
8.08pm GMT8.08pm GMT
20:0820:08
Belgium’s interior minister, Jan Jambon, has told RTL TV that authorities knew that some kind of extremist act was being prepared in Europe but that they were surprised by the scale of the attacks in Brussels.Belgium’s interior minister, Jan Jambon, has told RTL TV that authorities knew that some kind of extremist act was being prepared in Europe but that they were surprised by the scale of the attacks in Brussels.
Jambon said on Tuesday that “it was always possible that more attacks could happen but we never could have imagined something of this scale”. Jambon said that “we had no information about this, but we know that things were moving in Europe, in different countries, in France, in Germany, here”.Jambon said on Tuesday that “it was always possible that more attacks could happen but we never could have imagined something of this scale”. Jambon said that “we had no information about this, but we know that things were moving in Europe, in different countries, in France, in Germany, here”.
He said the Belgian authorities have no information about the planning of “any kind of action in Brussels at this time”.He said the Belgian authorities have no information about the planning of “any kind of action in Brussels at this time”.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.20pm GMTat 8.20pm GMT
8.01pm GMT8.01pm GMT
20:0120:01
Update: 31 dead and 250 woundedUpdate: 31 dead and 250 wounded
The Belgian health minister, Maggie De Block, has just spoken to Belgian broadcaster VTM and said there were 250 injured and 31 dead. Eleven were killed at Brussels airport and 20 at Maelbeek metro station.The Belgian health minister, Maggie De Block, has just spoken to Belgian broadcaster VTM and said there were 250 injured and 31 dead. Eleven were killed at Brussels airport and 20 at Maelbeek metro station.
There have been several conflicting reports on the numbers of dead and injured from both attacks. We will use De Block’s numbers until the next official update.There have been several conflicting reports on the numbers of dead and injured from both attacks. We will use De Block’s numbers until the next official update.
The Belgian authorities have opened an emergency phone line: +32 2 506 711.The Belgian authorities have opened an emergency phone line: +32 2 506 711.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.13pm GMTat 8.13pm GMT
7.42pm GMT7.42pm GMT
19:4219:42
The Brussels government has invited the Belgian population to observe a minute of silence, tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm.The Brussels government has invited the Belgian population to observe a minute of silence, tomorrow (Wednesday) at 12pm.