March 22, 2017•Update: March 22, 2017
By Hasan Esen
BRUSSELS
Survivors and relatives of those killed in last year’s terror attacks in Brussels gathered on Wednesday to mark 12 months since bombs took the lives of 32 people and injured more than 300.
A ceremony was held at Brussels Airport where two suicide bombers detonated their devices in the departure hall during morning rush hour on 22 March last year, claiming the lives of 16 people.
A second bombing at Maelbeek subway station in the city killed another 16 people.
Belgium’s King Philippe, Queen Mathilde and Prime Minister Charles Michel attended the ceremony at the airport.
King Philippe laid a wreath to honor the victims while the names of those who died were read out.
A moment of silence was also held at 7.58 a.m. (0558GMT) to mark the moment the first two blasts happened at the airport. Passengers also paid their respects.
During the commemoration, the airport was closed to air traffic.
Another event was held at Maelbeek subway station where a minute’s silence was observed at 9.11 a.m. (0711GMT). The entire metro network was suspended for one minute during the ceremony.
A memorial to the attacks was also officially unveiled in the Belgian capital's European quarter, attended by President of the European Council Donald Tusk, EU officials plus King Philippe.
Daesh claimed responsibility for Belgium's worst terror attacks. Since then, Belgium has remained on high alert.
