Vilvoorde (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A bus collided with the Vilvoorde viaduct during large-scale traffic checks by federal and local police in Flemish Brabant, targeting passenger safety, social compliance, and traffic regulation enforcement.
As VRT News reported, a bus crashed into the Vilvoorde viaduct during a large-scale traffic check by the federal and local police over the weekend. The viaduct had a ban on heavy vehicles in place due to ongoing roadworks. The bus ignored the restriction and struck the height limit barrier, causing its glass roof domes to shatter. Glass fell onto the passengers inside, but no injuries were reported.
What happened during the Vilvoorde bus crash and Centrex traffic operation?
After the crash, authorities consulted the public prosecutor’s office and suspended the driver’s license for 15 days. The transport company quickly arranged a replacement bus. Police emphasised the importance of following height restrictions to prevent accidents.
A large-scale enforcement operation was carried out by Centrex, the national network of traffic specialists from the federal and local police, in cooperation with social inspection services including RSZ, RVA, RSVZ, and the Immigration Office.
Authorities inspected a total of 92 vehicles and issued fines exceeding €12,000. The operation targeted compliance with traffic laws, labour regulations, and residency rules to ensure public safety and social security standards.
During the checks, a French long-distance bus driver was caught driving under the influence of narcotics, according to the federal police. In addition, 3 individuals were administratively arrested for illegal residence. The inspection services also identified multiple violations involving part-time work rules, Dimona registrations, and the misuse of sickness and unemployment benefits.
Centrex, the national network of traffic specialists, was created in 2018 to organise large-scale road safety and enforcement operations in Belgium. Similar operations have taken place in recent years, including a major check in 2022 targeting long-distance buses and freight vehicles that ignored regulations.
