Brussels-Midi station was evacuated on Monday afternoon after two suspicious packages were discovered at the station. Train services to and from Brussels are currently suspended.
According to the Federal Police, two suspicious packages were discovered at around 17:20 – one on a train bound for Antwerp on platform 20 and the other on platform 18.
Both the railway station and the metro station have been evacuated, and several police teams are now searching both stations. The Army's bomb disposal unit, DOVO, has also been called in to examine both packages.
All train traffic to and from Brussels-Midi suspended
Train services have been severely disrupted: A large number of trains across Belgium pass through Brussels, meaning the disruption has a significant impact on the evening rush hour throughout the country.
Belgian rail operator SNCB-NMBS confirmed that the station was evacuated by police and said all train traffic to and from Brussels-Midi is currently suspended.
"We currently do not have any information about when traffic could resume," SNCB spokesperson Britt Monten told The Brussels Times. "Decisions are currently being made on a train-by-train basis."
Disruption to STIB services
Brussels public transport operator STIB-MIVB also indicated that metro lines 2 and 6, tram lines 4, 10, 51, and 82, as well as bus lines 48, 49, 50, 73, and 78 have been either suspended or diverted in the station area. The affected buses are no longer stopping in the area.
Many stranded passengers are reportedly heading to Brussels-Central station – which is currently experiencing heavy congestion – or Brussels-North station. However, train services on the entire North-Midi line are currently suspended.
Train tickets are currently also valid for use on STIB services.
The circumstances surrounding the discovery of the suspicious objects have not yet been established. No information was immediately released regarding a possible resumption of service.
Police intervened at the scene to secure the area and assess the situation.
This story is developing.
