‘We turned on the news and ISIS had blown it up’: 60 Minutes reporter Tom Steinfort recalls his close brush with death in the 2016 Brussels terror attack – and says he hid it from his parents for years
Tom Steinfort has opened up on the more dangerous side of his reporting career in a candid new interview.
The 60 Minutes star – who travelled to fifty countries in two years in his adrenalin-filled life as a Europe Correspondent for Nine – recalled to Stellar how he once cheated death in Brussels, amid the horrific terror attack which took place in 2016.
In a story even his parents are unaware of, Tom revealed: ‘I remember we flew through Brussels airport and the next day we turned on the news and ISIS had blown it up.
Speaking out: On Saturday, Tom Steinfort (pictured) opened up on the more dangerous side of his reporting career in a candid new interview with Stellar
‘We saw photos of the exact counter we’d been at 24 hours earlier.’
On 22 March 2016, three suicide bombings occurred in Belgium; two at Brussels Airport in Zavantem, and one at Maalbeek metro station in central Brussels.
Over 300 people were injured in the attack, and 32 civilians tragically lost their lives.
Of his brush with death, Tom added: ‘It’s fair to say that if that [detail] goes to print, it will be the first Mum and Dad know about it.’
Dangerous: The 60 Minutes star – who travelled to fifty countries in two years in his adrenalin-filled life as a Europe Correspondent for Nine – recalled to Stellar how he once cheated death in Brussels, amid the horrific terror attack which took place in 2016
In a story even his parents are unaware of, Tom revealed: ‘I remember we flew through Brussels airport and the next day we turned on the news and ISIS had blown it up. We saw photos of the exact counter we’d been at 24 hours earlier’
Tom since moved to a full-time position with 60 Minutes at the start of the year, and lives in Sydney with his wife, style editor Claudia Jukic.
The duo married in Croatia last year, and hosted a star-studded reception for friends and family at the 16th century Hvar Fortress, according to 9Honey.
The wedding destination was significant for Tom and Claudia, as they got engaged in Croatia in June the year prior.
Tom previously revealed that he popped the question on a boat they’d hired for the day, but his big moment was almost ruined when they sailed past a nudist beach.
True love: Today show newsreader Tom married his longtime partner, magazine style editor Claudia Jukic, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Hvar, Croatia last year
Sealed with a kiss! The newlyweds kissed on the ancient steps outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral after exchanging vows
Recalling the proposal, he told 9Honey in April that he discreetly showed the boat’s captain the engagement ring so he would give the couple some privacy.
Tom then asked his girlfriend, ‘Will you marry me?’ and she immediately burst into tears of joy before replying, ‘Yes.’
At the time, Tom wrote on Instagram: ‘What a day! Thanks so much to our family and friends for all the love and excitement back home.
‘We’re overwhelmed and over the moon! I’m a very lucky boy, can’t wait for you to be my wife, Claudia.’
Read more: See the full interview with Tom in this month’s Stellar, out Sunday