Brussels attacks: X-ray shows terror victim with bolt in their chest following assault on city

At least 30 people are dead and nearly 200 people have been injured in the three explosions in the capital

Caroline Mortimer
Tuesday 22 March 2016 19:27 GMT
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X-ray from victim of Brussels attacks shows a nail embedded in their chest
X-ray from victim of Brussels attacks shows a nail embedded in their chest (EPA)

This is the hospital X-ray of a person injured in the Brussels terror attack showing a bolt embedded in the victim's chest.

The pictures were taken at the Military Hospital in Neder-over-Heembeek in the north of the Belgian capital following the three explosions at an airport and metro station.

At least 30 people have been killed and nearly 200 people have been injured in the terror attack, for which Isis has claimed responsibility.

Two of the attackers blew themselves up in the attack at the airport while officials have also released a wanted notice of a third man dressed in a white coat who is thought to have fled.

Twenty people then died in a third blast at Maalbeek Metro station. It is not known if the fugitive fled from the airport to Maalbeek or whether another person is involved.

Police also found an Isis flag and a nail bomb in the Brussels district of Schaerbeek during raids later in the day, according to ITV News.

One person has been arrested, although police have yet to confirm his or her identity.

The identity of the person pictured in the X-ray or their current condition is unknown.

Brussels survivors talk

The jihadist group said the attacks were in retaliation for Belgium's participation in air strikes against their positions in Syria and Iraq.

Video footage of the two explosions at Zaventem Airport show people fleeing the terminal as the two explosions were heard.

Witnesses said he heard men shouting in Arabic and shots being fired before the blasts.

Belgian prime minister Charles Michel said: "What we feared has happened.

"In this time of tragedy, this black moment for our country, I appeal to everyone to remain calm but also to show solidarity."

Belgian's foreign minister Didier Reynders warned attackers may still be at large.

It comes just days after the arrest of Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam in the Molenbeek district of Brussels.

The 26-year-old was shot in the leg by police marksmen as he attempted to flee from the house on Friday.

Mr Reynders said on Sunday that Abdeslam had been planning to attack Brussels while on the run leading to fears that this attack was revenge for his arrest.

He said Abdeslam was "ready to restart something from Brussels, and it’s maybe the reality".

Additional reporting by agencies

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