Antwerp Faces Rising Concerns Over Safety After Attacks on Public Buses

Antwerp, Belgium – February 19, 2024: Several young individuals unleashed chaos on the streets of Antwerp Tuesday evening, targeting De Lijn buses with an air rifle, local authorities confirmed.

The incidents, which occurred in the Linkeroever area, have sparked grave concerns among residents and authorities alike, prompting urgent calls for action to ensure the safety of both drivers and passengers.

Reacting to the unsettling news, the socialist trade union BTB-ABVV wasted no time in addressing the issue head-on. Labeling the attacks as anything but isolated, the union stressed the urgency of initiating dialogue to tackle the escalating violence.

“This is not an isolated case,” the union asserted in a statement released on Wednesday. “Fears of escalating violence increased after last night’s incident.”

The gravity of the situation became even more apparent as details emerged about the targeted buses. One of the buses, identified as number 36, had not only the driver but also passengers on board during the attack. 

Consequently, for the sake of safety, the affected bus will be withdrawn from operation on Thursday.

The union wasted no time in mobilizing efforts to address the issue, sending a formal request for consultation to the management of De Polder, a subsidiary of De Lijn. In addition, they called upon representatives from the city of Antwerp and De Lijn to participate in the discussions.

“Driver safety is at stake,” emphasized the union, underlining the critical need for immediate action to safeguard those responsible for public transportation services.

Despite the unsettling nature of the attacks, concerns were further exacerbated by the inadequacy of security measures in place. Currently, a private security firm is tasked with overseeing security in the Linkeroever area. 

However, their presence is limited to office hours, leaving a significant gap in security during the hours when the incidents occurred.

“The personnel is not present beyond office hours, which is when the incidents occur,” noted the socialist union, shedding light on the concerning lack of security coverage during vulnerable periods.

In response to the attacks, law enforcement authorities launched an investigation, including a thorough search of the vacant building believed to be the assailants’ base of operations.

Despite their efforts, the perpetrators remained elusive, raising questions about the challenges of apprehending those responsible for such acts of vandalism.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of these alarming events, there is a growing consensus that immediate and decisive action is needed to address the underlying issues contributing to such acts of violence.

The safety and security of public transportation services are paramount, and it is imperative that all stakeholders collaborate effectively to implement comprehensive measures to prevent future occurrences and restore confidence among residents.

As discussions unfold and investigations continue, one thing remains clear: the need for collective action to ensure that Antwerp remains a safe and vibrant city for all its inhabitants.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members