A Sunday morning train journey from Antwerp to Hasselt took a violent turn when an 18-year-old passenger attacked a train conductor with deodorant spray during a ticket dispute.
The incident, which occurred around 9:00 a.m., left the conductor requiring medical attention and prompted a police investigation into the alarming act of aggression against public transport staff.
According to SNCB, the national railway operator, the altercation began when the young passenger, a resident of Aarschot, was approached by the conductor for a routine ticket check.
A disagreement over the validity of the ticket quickly escalated into a scuffle. “This led to a tussle between the train conductor and the young man,” explained Bart Crols, spokesperson for SNCB.
“Subsequently, the train conductor sprayed deodorant into the passenger’s eyes. We vehemently condemn such incidents; our staff are simply performing their duties.”
The incident forced the train to stop at Zichem station, where the conductor’s shift ended. She was immediately provided medical attention for eye irritation.
Passengers were able to continue their journey on a replacement train arranged by SNCB, ensuring minimal disruption to services. Local police from the Demerdal-DSZ zone responded swiftly to the scene. Commissioner Nick Joris confirmed that a formal report had been filed.
“No arrests have been made at this stage,” he said. “Further investigation is required to determine the exact sequence of events and the actions of both the passenger and the conductor during the altercation.”
The attack has raised renewed concerns about the safety of railway personnel in Belgium. SNCB has repeatedly called attention to the growing number of verbal and physical assaults faced by conductors and ticket inspectors.
Staff unions have long demanded increased security measures, including more patrols by railway police and better tools for staff to manage confrontational passengers.
While no other passengers were injured, eyewitnesses described the atmosphere in the carriage as tense and chaotic. One traveler reportedly moved to another compartment to avoid the confrontation.
Physical aggression against public transport staff has become a recurring issue in recent years, with incidents ranging from verbal abuse to serious assaults.
The railway company has emphasized its zero-tolerance policy towards violence and confirmed it will fully cooperate with the police investigation. Authorities are now reviewing security footage from the train and collecting witness statements to reconstruct the events.
The findings will determine whether charges will be filed against the 18-year-old passenger or whether disciplinary action will be considered against the conductor, as the investigation examines both sides of the scuffle.
Despite the unsettling nature of the incident, SNCB managed to restore normal services shortly after the stop in Zichem. The company reiterated its support for its staff and called for respect towards public transport workers, emphasizing that ensuring their safety is essential for smooth and secure train operations.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
