US basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo poses with his award for 'Sport For Good ' in the Awards room. (Photo : Getty Images/Gareth Cattermole)
Dikembe Mutombo, 49, was at the Brussels airport during a deadly terrorist attack last March 22, Tuesday. The basketball superstar, who played for Houston Rockets from 2004 to 2009, was unharmed during the attack.
The terrorists attacked both the airport and on a subway which killed at least 31 people and left more than 200 wounded. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks at both locations, The Independent reported.
The NBA Hall of Famer posted a photo on his Facebook page about his current condition. "God is good. I am in Brussels Airport with this craziness. I am fine," read the caption.
A few hours later, the former Houston Rockets player posted another photo on his Facebook page to assure everyone he is safe. "Thank you everyone. I am safe here. God is good," reads the caption.
Later that day, Mutombo spoke with CNN about what happened at the airport. He said that he was just sleeping and suddenly he woke up hearing people screaming and they just started running.
One woman shouted that they had to go because there are a lot of people hurt and bleeding downstairs. The basketball star did not hesitate and just grabbed his bag and ran out as well.
As Mutombo was ushered through the terminal to the airport tarmac, he saw his fellow travelers who were paralyzed in shock. He felt bad for the family of the loved ones that had lost their lives. These people could not run or move due to the shock, he described.
The basketball player also recounted of a mom trying to push her two kids to safety. He described that everybody was running away and it was "very sad."
The basketball star retiree is known for his humanitarian work and his Dikembe Mutombo Foundation at this point of his life. His humanitarian work around the world included the construction of The Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital and Research Center in his hometown of Kinshasa in Congo.
Mutombo had a long career as a professional basketball player. He had 18 years in the NBA, eight All-Star appearances and four awards for being the Defensive Player of the Year. He retired in 2009 and was named as an NBA global ambassador.
Watch the news report of Mutombo present at the Brussels airport attack video below:
