Soldiers on patrol in Brussels
TWO LOCAL people caught up in the terrifying blasts in Brussels are safe and well amid the chaos.
Yesterday morning (Tuesday) the world woke to news of explosions at Brussels Airport and Maelbeek Metro Station. At the time of going to press at least 34 people lost their lives in the attack and at least 170 more were injured.
Dave Hunter, from Kilskeery, a former pupil at Portora Royal School, has been living with his girlfriend in Brussels since last April and working as an electrician. Speaking to the Herald he explained where he was when the horrifying news broke.
“We’re only a five minute walk from Maelbeek Metro Station where the blasts went off. I didn’t actually hear the blasts. I’m currently working in the Zaventum area at a Data Centre, but I was off work today and was woken from a phone call from my mother.
“However one of my friends was actually working at Brussels airport. He experienced the whole events and ran into his company’s safety room and had to wait until he was escorted out by Belgian soldiers. Other friends were walking to work and saw casualties on the pavement from the Maelbeek blasts. Local authorities on the news have told us to stay indoors. We can still hear sirens and helicopters outside. The city is on lock down and security is at its highest level of four.”
Jemma Dolan from Belleek works in the European Parliament in Brussels as a press officer for Sinn Fein. She explained that there is a strong element of fear within the city.
“It’s more tense this time than it was after the Paris attacks, people are more panicky, there’s a bit of manic about. Parliament security is tight, security men here are wearing bulletproof vests which we haven’t had before.”
Yesterday morning (Tuesday) she was listening to RTE radio when she learnt of the explosions and was then inundated with messages from friends and family.
“My phone has been busy all morning; WhatsApp app, Facebook things like that. My parents were very worried, but there’s nothing to be worried about at this time and I’ve spoken to them a couple of times.”
Jemma and her colleagues have been advised to work from home today (Wednesday) and in light of the attacks there are doubts whether she will be able to spend Easter in Fermanagh with her family.
“We had all planned to go home for Easter on Thursday for Easter, but we don’t know if we have to find alternative arrangements. I was due to fly home on Thursday morning and I assumed the airport would have been OK, but looking at the damage I don’t know if I still will be going.”
Fermanagh and South Tyrone MP Tom Elliott shared his sympathy with the victims of the Brussels attacks.
“It is deeply regrettable that such an attack has taken place in Brussels. Living in Northern Ireland we knew at first hand the devastation that acts of terrorism brings to individuals, families and communities. Terrorism is wrong whether it takes place in Brussels, Northern Ireland or anywhere else throughout the world. Governments must not be soft on terrorism, the people involved in carrying out such acts are a scourge on society who bring heartbreak to families and communities.”
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