Three suspects apprehended on a Flixbus bound for Brussels were released after being questioned about an alleged bomb plot, according to the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The bus, having departed from Lille, was en route to Brussels when a passenger reported overhearing a discussion about a potential attack. The vehicle was diverted to the Wetteren highway police station where the individuals involved in the conversation were detained for questioning.
The bus underwent an external inspection while its 46 occupants, including the driver, disembarked one-by-one, hands raised.
Subsequently, the interior was searched with two explosives-detecting dogs, and luggage was also checked. However, no explosives were found, said the Prosecutor’s Office.
Flixbus at the Wetteren police station, Thursday 11 January 2024. Credit: Belga / James Arthur Gekiere
In the end, the suspects were released. There’s no evidence to suggest this was a terrorist threat, the Prosecutor’s Office clarified.
"It seems the witness may have misjudged the situation. They reported the conversation with good intentions. We’ve examined everything and checked the statements, but nothing indicates it was indeed a terrorist threat,' stated Hanne Olivier, spokesperson for the prosecutors.
The individuals in question are young adults in their twenties, who missed their flight to Australia from Zaventem due to the incident, as did several other bus passengers with connecting flights.
The person who reported the potential terrorist threat will not face prosecution, as there was no apparent malicious intent, the Prosecutor’s Office further added.
