No reports of South Africans hurt in Brussels: officials
The South African government's condemned the deadly bomb blasts in Belgium.
An explosion went off at the Maalbeek metro station in Brussels near the European Union headquarters followed by twin blasts at the city's airport this morning.
The death toll from the blasts which have been labelled terror attacks by Belgium is currently at 35 with more than 90 others wounded.
Our International Relations Department's Nelson Kgwete says they haven't received reports of any South Africans hurt in the attacks.
"The government has sent a message of condolences to the government and people of Belgium particularly the families of the victims. The South African Embassy in Brussels is monitoring developments and will report to head office as soon as information is available on the well-being of South African citizens," he said.
At the same time, Belgium's prime minister Charles Michel says the attacks represent a "black day" for his country.
In this clip translated by Sky News, he says there's no information as to whether this morning's explosions are related to last week's arrest of the main suspect in November's terror attacks in Paris.
"The priority for us now is to look after the injured and the wounded," he said.
Meanwhile, Facebook has activated its "safety check" system to help people track friends and loved ones in Brussels.
In addition, US President Barack Obama has reacted to what has happened.
"The thoughts and prayers of the American people are with the people of Belgium. We stand in solidarity with them in condemning these outrageous attacks against innocent people. We will do whatever is necessary to support our friend and ally, Belgium," he said.
(Photo: AFP)