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Belgium Terror Attacks Aftermath: Live Updates

  • by: Maarten Schenk
  • (Tue, 22 Mar 2016 13:06:18 Z)

STORY UPDATED: check for updates below.

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This morning explosions ripped through the departures hall at Brussels airport and a car on the Brussels subway, killing at least 34 people and wounding 230. Authorities say 14 died in the subway attack and 20 at the airport.

Read our earlier coverage here. Brussels went on lockdown: public transit was shut down and people were urged to stay inside. Keep an eye on this post to stay up to date on the aftermath.

Updates:

: Two of the three alleged Brussels airport bombers are believed to have died in the blasts, but a third suspect is believed to be alive and on the run.

: Hillary Clinton says it is wrong and dangerous to suggest the United States is at war with an entire religion.

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: Facebook activitated its "Safety Check" system in the wake of Tuesday's terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium.

: Latest official toll: At least 30 people dead and 230 wounded. Authorities say 10 died in the subway attack and 20 at the airport.

: A manhunt is underway in Brussels for people suspected to be connected to Tuesday's bombings, CNN reports. ISIS claims responsibility, CNN also reports.

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: Donald Trump tells Fox News what he would do in reaction to the Brussels terror attacks. “I would close up our borders to people until we figure out what’s going on,” he said. “We have to be very, very vigilant with who we let into this country,” Trump continued. “We are taking in people without real documentation… We don’t know who they are or where they’re from. We don’t learn. I will tell you I’ve been talking about this for a long time. This whole thing will get worse as time goes by.”

: Nuclear power plant in Tihange (eastern Belgium) has been evacuated, except for essential personnel. Unclear why.

: Update: Antwerp cinema complex being evacuated...

: BREAKING: Airport attack suspects:

: Brussels airport could remain closed for almost a week...

: Belgian media reports: same TATP explosives used as in Paris terror attacks.

: CCTV video purporting to be of the blast and aftermath.

: President Obama expresses solidarity with Belgian people. Says U.S. will help Belgium bring perpetrators to justice.

: Tunnels on inner ring road are being reopened in Brussels:

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: On the other hand:

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: Reports: airport bombs filled with nails to inflict maximum carnage.

: European Commission building (near Maelbeek metro station) to be finally evacuated. Had been on lockdown.

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: Unconfirmed reports: anti-terror units searching houses in Brussels area

: Authorities ask not to use the cellphone network, stick to wifi. Major internet providers have opened up all their hotspots to the public.

: Latest casualty figures: - Maalbeek: 20 deaths, 106 wounded - Zaventem: 14 deaths, 81 wounded

: City of Charleroi in Belgium also shuts down subway system.

: People with O- and A- blood type are asked to donate blood in Brussels hospitals:

: Trending tweet: "How can you still teach if muslim children in the classroom are applauding?"

: Blames hatred for the attack on our values, freedom, democracy. Total determination to defend our way of living. Calls on solidarity of all Belgians with their capital city: Flemish, Walloons and inhabitants of Brussels with all their diversity. Cosmopolitan and open city.

: Condolences to families and friends of victims. Provisional numbers for Maelbeek attack: about 20 deaths, not sure about total yet, victims still need to be identified. Long and difficult job. There are 17 people seriously injured, many more lighter injuries but shocked as well.

: Brussels mayor: Dead and wounded to regret/mourn. No exact figures yet. Amazing job by security and rescue services. Spoke with victims.

: Brussels mayor holding press conference now.

: Controlled explosions were heard near the VUB university and the airport: explosives disposal teams working on clearing away suspect packages.

: Reports in the Belgian media that the Tihange nuclear power plant is being evacuated.

About the author:

Maarten Schenk is our resident expert on fake news and hoax websites. He likes to go beyond just debunking trending fake news stories and is endlessly fascinated by the dazzling variety of psychological and technical tricks used by the people and networks who intentionally spread made-up things on the internet.  He can often be found at conferences and events about fake news, disinformation and fact checking when he is not in his office in Belgium monitoring and tracking the latest fake article to go viral.

Read more about or contact Maarten Schenk