Oudenaarde (24brussels) – A De Lijn bus driver in Oudenaarde was violently assaulted by a motorist following a traffic dispute, resulting in injuries. De Lijn condemned the attack, and prosecutors have initiated an investigation.
The altercation occurred in Oudenaarde, located in East Flanders, Belgium, on Thursday evening, August 14, 2025. The bus driver was attacked by the motorist in the city center.
The incident unfolded as the bus was departing from a stop. De Lijn reported that the bus had the right of way, which provoked the driver of the car behind. Instead of driving away, the motorist followed the bus to the subsequent stop.
What led to the violent attack on a De Lijn bus driver in Oudenaarde?
“The bus had the right of way, but that upset the driver behind the bus,”
Said De Lijn spokesperson Jens Van Herp.
The transportation company condemned the violence and cautioned that such incidents jeopardize the safety of both staff and passengers. This assault heightens concerns over the increasing violence directed at public transport workers in Flanders.
The injured bus driver was taken to the hospital for treatment; doctors confirmed a broken nose and bruised jaw. Van Herp stated that while the driver was allowed to return home shortly after treatment, the psychological impact of the attack was significant.
“The man was released from the hospital quickly, but the mental impact was enormous,”
Jens Van Herp added.
De Lijn characterized the attack as “uncontrolled aggression” and “unacceptable behavior.” A spokesperson firmly condemned the violent act, while the East Flanders prosecutor’s office confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. Prosecutors will work to establish the facts and pursue charges against the suspect.
In the past, there have been similar incidents, including an attack on a bus driver in Antwerp in 2023 after he asked a passenger to validate a ticket. Additionally, a driver in Limburg was assaulted by a motorist over a traffic dispute. Drivers have also reported instances of verbal abuse, threats, and spitting while performing their duties. Both De Lijn and labor unions have expressed escalating concerns regarding these assaults.
