An individual was “neutralized” at Brussels Central Station Tuesday night after an explosion set off panic in the busy transportation hub, Belgian authorities said.
“Soldiers intervened by opening fire after the explosion,” Brussels Prosecutor’s Office spokeswoman Ine Van Wymersch said. No civilians were injured in the incident; she would not confirm if the individual was killed.
Central Station was evacuated and closed along with two other stations in the Belgian capital. Armed patrols, including a bomb disposal unit, surrounded the station.
Remy Bonnaffe said he was inside the station when an explosion went off, followed by a fire.
“The bang was very loud, it was like a very big firework that just went up in front of my nose,” he said. “The fire was very small. It was a very small explosion but a very loud bang.”
Arash Aazami was walking into the train station when he saw people running out of the building. A restaurant next door let him and others inside as police secured the station.
“There’s a lot of military here, but the situation seems to be contained,” Aazami said. “There’s no sign of panic.”
Developing story – more to come