Brussels, Europe — Maelbeek Metro Station in Brussels has reopened on Monday, after it was affected by a series of terrorist attacks that killed 32 people and injured dozens on March 22. The place was being guarded by soldiers and police officers, as a preventive measure for the reopening.
The platform started working at 6 a.m. According to Brussels Metro spokeswoman An Van Hamme, there wasn’t any structural damage. Thus, there were just a few works that had to be done, as reported by The Associated Press (AP).
Passengers are allowed to leave messages and flowers on a dedicated tribute wall located in the principal entrance of the Maelbeek metro station. Goolon Luolovic, a man who was interview by AP reporters, said that “life must go on. The madness of men is what it is but peace must win over.”
Passengers are allowed to leave messages and flowers on a dedicated tribute wall located in the principal entrance of the Maelbeek metro station. Goolon Luolovic, a man who was interview by AP reporters, said that “life must go on. The madness of men is what it is but peace must win over.”
Survivors and families of the victims were able to visit the station on Saturday, under military surveillance. There, people could pay tribute to the lives that were unfortunately lost during the horrific events from last week. It was their first opportunity to see the place, after the bombings occurred on March 22, as reported by CNN. On the same day, they wrote messages of love on a white board put into the station. This allowed people to express themselves and therefore support each other to move forward from the attack.
The city is still mourning: survivors, family of the victims and citizens leave messages of love at the Maelbeek station
By Monday morning, the white wall already contained messages in several languages including: French, Flemish, English, Arabic, Dutch and Spanish. A message directed to a French girl who died in the attack said “I love my little Sabrina. I miss you. Go in Peace. Mom.” According to CNN. It was hard not to walk by and feel moved by all the messages written on the wall, according to some travelers at Maelbeek metro station.
“It’s emotional today to come to the station because up until today I had to get off at a different station and to walk longer to my office and so on, so it feels good that we are getting back to normal,” said one Brussels resident to EuroNews.
The station will function as normal from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m, like the rest of the metro system, said the Brussels transport operator STIB, according to EuroNews. Artists will make a permanent tribute in the station, by later this year in June.
The route of trains going to the airport has also been re-established, after it had to be interrupted due to the damaged station. Nonetheless, the Brussels Airport is not fully-working yet.
According to Euronews, constructions continue a month after the attacks. A spokesperson said it will completely recover its functions by the start of summer holidays, between late June and the beginning of July.
Source: CNN