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Mr Michel called the crash of the Airbus operated by Lufthansa-subsidiary Germanwings, with the loss of 150 lives “a real tragedy”.
Mr Michel added, “On behalf of the Belgian Government I would like to express my sympathy to the families of the victims of the crash. Dozens of families are now in mourning. Belgium too feels in these difficult moments.”
Belgian Foreign Minister Didier Reynders took to Twitter to express his sympathy. Deputy Premier Kris Peeters wished the families and those close to the victims all strength and courage for the aid workers.
In the course of the afternoon Mr Reynders confirmed that at least one Belgian victim, who lived in Barcelona (Spain), had been killed in the crash. The Belgian’s wife, who does not possess Belgian nationality, is also believed to have been on the plane.