Passengers on a De Lijn bus in Genk were informed that smoking was not allowed on board. When a driver noticed a person vaping, he asked them to stop and explained the policy. However, upon arriving at a station, the driver was attacked by the vaping passenger who dragged him out of the bus and physically assaulted him. The driver suffered a complex nasal fracture and multiple bruises. In response to the attack, other drivers demanded closed bus cabins for their protection. The incident has drawn attention to frequent attacks on bus drivers in Flanders, sparking calls for stronger measures to address the issue.
“Do you want to quit vaping? Smoking is not permitted on the bus. These few words set fire to the powder for a passenger on the De Lijn bus in Genk.
The unions are stepping up to denounce the far too frequent attacks on the lines in Flanders. “He was dragged off the bus and left for dead.” Very serious facts which reinforce the unions have demanded strong measures.
The bus driver had several passengers on board. He noticed that a vapor was coming from one of them. He quickly realized he was smoking. Not a normal cigarette, but an electronic cigarette. “Our colleague calmly asked the person in question to quit smoking. He then explained to her that smoking was prohibited on the bus and that he might do so outside. Shortly following, the bus arrived at Genk station. The driver parked on the platform and opened his doors. The driver immediately received several blows and was taken out from behind the wheel. They dragged him out of the bus to the platform where he was punched once more. He was bleeding profusely, ”explains the union to Het Laatste Nieuws.
The offer suffers from a complex nasal fracture, as well as several bruises on the face and on the body.
The other drivers did not leave the depots the day following the attack. They demand closed bus cabins.
The attack on the De Lijn bus driver in Genk highlights the growing issue of violence on public transport in Flanders. It is unacceptable that bus drivers are being subjected to such brutal attacks for simply doing their job. The unions have rightly called for strong measures to be taken to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers alike. It is important that we all work together to create a culture of respect and safety on public transport, where violence is not tolerated and everyone can travel with confidence.
