News
Gunmen Exchange Fire Outside Brussels Metro Station, Police Launch Manhunt
Belgian police are searching for armed suspects after a shooting erupted outside Clémenceau metro station in Brussels early Wednesday morning. The incident, which occurred around 6 a.m. CET, caused major disruptions to metro and tram services, affecting thousands of commuters during rush hour.
Gunmen on the Run
Footage aired on local media showed at least two masked men wearing balaclavas exchanging gunfire outside the metro station. Authorities have since launched a city-wide manhunt for the armed individuals, believed to be hiding in the underground network between Clémenceau and Midi stations.
Sarah Frederickx, a spokesperson for the Brussels police, told reporters that law enforcement was searching for a small group of possibly two or three suspects, who are likely still armed.
“We are actively searching the metro tunnels, and the federal railway police are involved in the operation,” Frederickx said.
Not Considered a Terrorist Attack
While the shooting caused widespread alarm, authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive. The city’s public transport operator stated that the incident was not linked to a terror attack.
However, local media reports suggested that the shooting may be connected to drug trafficking, with some outlets alleging that the suspects were carrying Kalashnikov rifles.
Metro and Tram Services Disrupted
The police operation led to the closure of Clémenceau and Delacroix stations, as well as Brussels’ central Gare du Midi, a major hub that serves Eurostar trains to and from London, Paris, and Amsterdam.
Metro lines 2 and 6 were suspended between Trône and Gare de l’Ouest, affecting travel near the European Parliament.
Several tram services were also impacted, particularly:
- Lines between Lemonnier and Berkendael
- Lines between Port d’Anderlecht and Gare du Midi
Commuters faced significant delays as authorities continued their search.
Investigation Ongoing
A spokesperson for the Brussels public prosecutor’s office confirmed that no injuries had been reported and that the investigation was ongoing.
Authorities have urged residents and commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as they continue their search for the suspects.
News
Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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