Brussels’ Maelbeek metro station re-opens after terror attacks

Security remains high across the underground network

Belgian servicemen stand guard as a train arrives at the Maalbeek metro station on its re-opening day on April 25th, 2016 in Brussels, after being closed since the 22nd March attacks in the Belgian capital. Photograph: JohnThysjohn/ AFP/Getty Images
Belgian servicemen stand guard as a train arrives at the Maalbeek metro station on its re-opening day on April 25th, 2016 in Brussels, after being closed since the 22nd March attacks in the Belgian capital. Photograph: JohnThysjohn/ AFP/Getty Images

The Brussels metro station where 16 people were killed by a suicide bomber has re-opened just over a month after the attacks.

Security remains high across the underground network, which was hit during the March 22nd peak morning travel period. The blast came after suicide bombers had earlier struck Brussels’ Zaventem airport departure lounge in attacks claimed by Islamic State.

The reopening of the Maelbeek station early on Monday brought the Belgian capital’s underground network back up to full capacity.

People read messages on a commemorative wall at the Maalbeek metro station. Photograph: JohnThysjohn/ AFP/Getty Images
People read messages on a commemorative wall at the Maalbeek metro station. Photograph: JohnThysjohn/ AFP/Getty Images

Brussels Metro spokeswoman An Van Hamme said there was no structural damage but “there were a few works that had to be done”.

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Commuters can leave messages on a tribute wall in the main station entrance.

Passenger Goolon Luolovic said that “life must go on. The madness of men is what it is but peace must win over.”

“My heart is beating fast, I’m not feeling okay,” said passenger Hanane Attar, who felt the blast in her office above the station on the day of the attacks. “It’s quite emotional, very emotional.”

The attacks in Brussels, home to the European Union and NATO headquarters, came four months after attacks in Paris killed 130 people. Links have been identified between the suspects in the two attacks.

Bomb-hit Brussels airport is still not back up to capacity after the March 22nd attacks.

Agencies