A violent attack on a De Lijn bus in Brussels on Tuesday afternoon has prompted a spontaneous strike by the Flemish public transport company’s staff, leading to widespread service disruptions across several Brussels-area depots.
The incident took place around 1:30 p.m. in the municipality of Anderlecht, where a De Lijn bus operating on the R36 route was stopped at a red light on the Chaussée de Ninove. According to De Lijn spokesperson Astrid Hulhoven, a car in front of the bus failed to move when the light turned green, prompting the bus driver to honk.
“Two occupants of the vehicle exited and began banging aggressively on the bus windows,” Hulhoven said. The altercation escalated when the car’s occupants smashed the windscreen and a side door window. The bus driver sustained minor injuries from flying glass.
Emergency services were called to the scene, and the driver received immediate medical attention. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the perpetrators have been identified or apprehended.
The incident occurred on the same day as a planned symbolic minute of silence organised by De Lijn and various partners to protest rising violence against public transport workers.
The event, held in coordination with trade unions, the coach and bus operator federation, passenger rights organisation TreinTramBus, and the Association of Flemish Cities and Municipalities, aimed to draw attention to the growing threats faced by public transit personnel.
In response to the attack, staff at four depots — Meerbeke, Leerbeek, Dilbeek, and Anderlecht — initiated a spontaneous strike. “The events have deeply affected our staff. The strike is a direct result of frustration and concern for safety,” Hulhoven explained.
As a result, bus services across the Vlaamse Rand, the Flemish outskirts of Brussels, have been severely impacted. De Lijn has issued a warning to passengers to expect delays and cancellations in the affected areas until further notice.
The company condemned the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for its employees. Discussions are reportedly underway between De Lijn, unions, and local authorities to address security issues and evaluate possible additional protective measures.
Transport Minister Lydia Peeters also responded, stating on social media that violence against public transport workers is “utterly unacceptable” and pledged government support to improve safety across the network.
The incident adds to a growing list of concerns about safety on public transport, and union leaders are now calling for urgent intervention to protect frontline workers.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
