BRUSSELS, Belgium — March 23, 2026 — Police temporarily evacuated Brussels Midi, one of Belgium’s busiest railway hubs, on Monday evening after officers discovered two unattended packages on a central platform, according to local authorities.
A spokesperson for the Brussels-Capital/Ixelles police zone said officers were called shortly after 7 p.m. when station staff reported the items during routine patrols. “As a precaution, we cleared the immediate area and requested support from the federal bomb disposal unit,” the spokesperson told reporters. The station was partially evacuated while trains were diverted or held outside the city.
Belgium’s national rail operator, SNCB, confirmed that services through Brussels Midi were disrupted for more than an hour. Passengers were instructed to leave the platforms and wait outside the station complex while security teams assessed the scene. Several travelers described calm but orderly evacuations, with police guiding crowds toward street-level exits.
The bomb disposal unit inspected both packages and determined they did not contain explosives. Authorities did not immediately disclose what was inside, saying only that the items were “non‑dangerous.” The station reopened gradually once the all‑clear was issued.
Belgium has maintained heightened vigilance around transport hubs in recent years, particularly following past security incidents in Brussels. Officials emphasized that Monday’s response followed established safety protocols. “We treat every suspicious object seriously until proven otherwise,” the police spokesperson said.
No injuries were reported, and investigators are reviewing CCTV footage to determine how the packages were left behind. Police said there is currently no indication of criminal intent but noted that the inquiry is ongoing.
SNCB advised passengers to check updated timetables as some delays continued into the evening.