A shooting incident early Wednesday morning near the Clémenceau station has led to significant disruptions across Brussels' metro and tram services, affecting Lines 2 and 6. The police ordered the suspension of these lines as they searched for suspects believed to have fled the scene after firing shots.
The alarming event unfolded around 6:15 AM, prompting immediate action from the local authorities. According to Guy Sablon, spokesperson for Stib, the public transport authority, "des coups de feu ont été tirés en l’air en surface de la station, les individus ont ensuite pris la fuite dans la station." (Shots were fired above ground at the station, and the individuals then fled toward the station).
The shooting occurred on the surface, and initial reports confirmed no civilians were injured, with police clarifying this incident does not fit the profile of terrorism. "Il n’y a pas eu de blessés lors de la fusillade," stated Sarah Frederickx, spokesperson for the Brussels Sud police, emphasizing the non-violent nature of the confrontation. The motives behind the shooting appear to be intimidation, as the shots were directed upwards and not at individuals.
Metro services on Lines 2 and 6 were halted between the Gare de l’Ouest and Trône. Tram services were also affected, with interruptions noted on lines 4, 10, 51, and 82. Commuters were left scrambling for alternative routes. Stib advised during this disruption: "Prenez le métro 1 entre Gare de l’Ouest et Arts-Loi" (Take Metro Line 1 between Gare de l’Ouest and Arts-Loi), illustrating their effort to mitigate the chaos caused by the situation.
Simultaneously, the police have been active in searching for the suspects, described as having been armed with long weapons, potentially including a Kalashnikovbased on reports from local sources. Police efforts included searches through the metro tunnels between Clémenceau station and Gare du Midi, as the suspects were last seen entering the metro system after the outbreak of violence.
Guy Sablon noted, "Ces lignes sont coupées depuis 6h30, on ne sait pas pour combien de temps" (These lines have been cut since 6:30, we do not know for how long). This uncertainty adds to the frustration of many who rely on public transport for their morning commute, as disruptions from the incident continue to ripple through the transportation network.
While the situation remains fluid, with searches reportedly still underway, commuters and residents nearby have expressed their concerns over the safety of the area. The police remain vigilant, working closely with Stib to restore normal services as soon as possible.
Authorities are maintaining public order and reassurance, indicating this isolated incident should not incite fear but rather reflect the quick response of law enforcement. The timeline for public transport resuming regular operations remains uncertain, but officials are working diligently to resolve the matter.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges urban transport systems face and the importance of safety measures. For now, commuters are advised to keep informed and remain cautious until normal operations can resume.