Big explosion in Brussels airport, at least 11 dead

Two explosions ripped through Brussels airport Tuesday during the morning rush hour as hundreds of passengers were trying to check in. Airport authorities said the explosions caused several injuries and at least 11 people are reported to be killed.

Airport spokeswoman Anke Fransen said: “There were two blasts in the departure hall. First aid team are in place for help.”

Passengers were led onto the tarmac and the crisis center urged people not to come to the airport.

The explosions happened only days after the prime suspect in the Paris attacks Salah Abdeslam was arrested in Brussels.

Rail transport to the facility has been halted and people have been told not to come to the airport.

Other reports say at least one of the explosions was close to the American Airlines check-in area but this has not been confirmed.

All flights are being diverted from the airport this morning as it remains on lockdown.

Flights due to land at Brussels-Zaventem, which handles 21million passengers a year, were sent to Antwerp, Liege, and Brussels Charleroi airports.

The Belgian broadcaster RTBF quoted a witness as saying there were people injured or unconscious in the departure area, opposite the Sheraton hotel.

Niels Caignau, flight watcher at Swissport, told Radio 1 that he heard an explosion at around 8:00 a.m. local time.

“The windows outside the departure hall are completely shattered. Many people have run out with tears in [their] eyes. We were advised to stay indoors.”

At this stage details are sketchy and the cause of the explosions is not clear.

This is a developing story.

Photos and videos:

One dead, several wounded at #Brussels airport after explosions: Police https://t.co/67UA14QBBJ (Video: @AAhronheim) pic.twitter.com/7s4SeMNLa6

— TODAY (@TODAYonline) 22. března 2016

People running away after the explosion at Brussels airport

Smoke at the Brussels airport

Soldier in the departure hall damaged by explosion

Flights being diverted from Brussels airport, clearing Belgian airspace

Injured woman at Brussels Zaventem airport

Casaulties at Brussels airport