2023-10-13 06:12:52
The suspicious package which led to the closure and evacuation of Antwerp-Central station on Friday morning ultimately turned out to be a false alarm, local police said around 11:00 a.m. The security perimeter is being lifted and the station will soon be accessible once more.
The package in question, consisting of two suitcases, had been abandoned in the building. As the authorities did not want to take any risks, the latter was closed and evacuated while awaiting the arrival of the Explosive Ordnance Removal and Destruction Service (Sedee). The operation also caused significant disruption to rail traffic.
“Despite the suspicious circumstances in which the suitcases were left, this is a false alarm,” police said on X, the former Twitter. “The perimeter will be lifted. The station can be vacated.”
This morning, the situation caused significant disruptions to train traffic, indicated infrastructure manager Infrabel. No more trains were allowed to enter the station, the neighboring Antwerp-Berchem station served as the terminus.
Antwerp Central station is one of the busiest stations in the country. Its closure during the morning rush hour caused significant repercussions. Train traffic jams were created.
The SNCB train ticket might be used by commuters to take De Lijn company buses and trams to reach Antwerp-Berchem station, where they might board a train, SNCB announced.
The station building is right next to Antwerp’s Jewish quarter, which is under increased vigilance this week due to the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The premetro station below the station also evacuated
The Diamant premetro station, located under the Antwerp-Central station building, had also been evacuated, Flemish public transport company De Lijn said. Tram lines 2, 6, 9 and 15 were therefore diverted.
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