Officers of the Montgomery police zone in Brussels organised a large-scale exercise in and around the Stokkel Square shopping centre and the Stokkel metro station in Sint-Pieters-Woluwe (Brussels) on Sunday. The exercise simulated a realistic scenario involving a hostage situation and a mass shooting incident. The metro station was closed to the public during the exercise.
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Brussels police simulate hostage situation in and around Stokkel metro station
Colin Clapson
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Over 300 people took part in the exercise, including local police units, federal police, partners including public transport company MIVB and members of the BRU Response civilian reserve. The aim of the exercise was to test coordination between emergency services, improve operational responses and strengthen crisis management in a complex environment.
‘This exercise is a test of our preparedness in realistic conditions and further refines our cooperation with all partners,' the Montgomery police zone said. ‘Such scenarios help us to respond more quickly and efficiently in real emergencies.’
In addition to the intervention, the council’s psychosocial intervention plan (PIPS) was also tested. This plan is designed to assess how victims and those affected are supported following a major incident. 'Caring for victims and bystanders is also a crucial part of crisis management,' the police zone emphasises.
Local residents were informed in advance via communication campaigns and warned that loud bangs might be heard in the neighbourhood during the exercise.
According to the organisers, the exercise is essential for fine-tuning procedures and strengthening cooperation between the local police, federal police and other partners. The mayor of Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, Benoît Cerexhe, was also present as an observer, alongside a representative from the public prosecutor’s office.