Brussels metro station to reopen following Brussels attacks

For the first time since the attacks which took place in the city in March, the metro station at Maelbeek in the city has reopened.

According to the spokesman of the League of Intercommunaux Transport of Brussels (STIB), Francoise Ledune, all Brussels metro stations are functional and subway runs at usual time before the attacks.

However, the access to the stations remains so far limited to two entries, and the police and military are providing security on the spot.

An enormous whiteboard has been installed in the reopened station, as a memorial, for people to write their wishes and condolences for the victims of the attacks. People have left flowers and written their notes on the board, with an optimistic, resilient mood notably prevalent.

“Let’s cherish the life that surrounds us,” reads one note, while “Love wins” reads another. Since the day of the attack, the people of Brussels have been reluctant to express hatred or aggression towards Daesh terrorists who, losing their ground in Syria, have sought to induce fear among Europeans.

Security at the station has been ramped up, with at least two armed soldiers patrolling the station at all times. According to the head of the Brussels region Rudi Vervoort, the appropriate level of security is now assured across the city’s metro system. Many stations had to limit their access points and work hours because of security personnel shortage. The metro police service is now reinforced with military staff to share duties for the foreseeable future.

The Brussels Zaventem Airport was completely closed for 12 days following the attacks, and still remains only partly functional, with its full reopening scheduled for June 2016.

Agencies/Canadajournal