Brussels South Station Disrupted by Suspicious Packages, Traffic Resumes

Brussels-South station experienced significant disruption on Monday evening, March 23rd and 24th, 2026, after three suspicious packages were discovered. The incident led to the suspension of all train services to and from the station for approximately three hours, impacting commuters and travelers.

Packages Found and Investigation

The first package was found on a train on platform 20, which was en route to Antwerp. A second package was located on platform 18. A third package was also discovered, though its exact location wasn’t immediately specified in initial reports.

Federal police initiated an investigation, and the army’s bomb disposal unit (DOVO) was called in to examine the packages. Authorities evacuated both the train and metro stations as a precautionary measure.

Traffic Resumption and Reopening

By approximately 7:45 pm on Monday, federal police announced that all three packages were found to be harmless. Train services gradually resumed from 8:02 pm, with the exception of tracks 19 and 20. The station itself was reopened to the public.

Metro, tram, and bus services, which had also been suspended, began to resume normal operations.

Investigation into False Alarm

Following the incident, the public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into the false bomb alarm. Authorities have indicated that those responsible could face prison sentences of up to two years. The packages were determined to be counterfeit, but remain punishable under the law.

Context of Heightened Security

This incident occurred shortly after Brussels commemorated the 10th anniversary of the 2016 terrorist bombings, a traumatic event that continues to influence security measures in the country. Belgium’s national threat level remains at three on a four-point scale.