Brussels attacks: Bloodied air stewardess who became symbol of suffering

An injured woman photographed in shock in the aftermath of the attacks at Brussels Zaventem Airport has been identified as a crew member of India-based Jet Airways. The picture of Nidhi Chaphekar showing her face covered in blood and dust and with her uniform shredded is becoming a symbol of the suffering following the bombings at the airport and the Belgian capital’s Metro. Ms Chaphekar, who is a flight attendant with the airline, was due to take a flight to the US when she was caught up in one of two bombings at the airport.

For the whole day we did not have any information. All they told us was she is safe. But how do I know if they are not just giving us false hopes? I just want to hear her voice once.

Rupesh Chaphenkar, Nidhi’s husband, waits for news

Brussels-based journalist Ketevan Kardava took the picture of the mother-of-two as she sat in shock in one of the terminal seats with blood running down her face and her uniform in tatters. On a seat next to her, another woman - her hand covered in blood - looks relieved as she makes a phone call on her mobile.The picture was soon retweeted on social media under the hashtag #PrayForNidhi. Another shocking image, showed a man lying on the ground with a badly injured leg. He has now been identified as Sebastien Bellin, a Brazilian-Belgian professional basketball player who once played for Belgium’s national basketball team.

My ex player Seb Bellin was injured in the Brussels bombing. Going for second surgery. Please pray for Seb.

Greg Kampe, basketball coach

Nidhi Chaphekar