Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – De Lijn drivers in Bruges refuse supporter shuttle services after a bus caught fire on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025. A Barcelona fan is suspected of igniting pyrotechnics. Drivers cite safety concerns for future matches.
As VRT News reported, after the fire on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2025, De Lijn said its drivers will no longer provide shuttle services for away football fans. Petra De Poorter of the socialist union ACOD said drivers have faced repeated problems with vandalism and unsafe behaviour, and last night’s fire was the most serious incident so far.
“For us, the problem is that the safety of our drivers cannot be guaranteed,”
De Poorter continues.
“The police can only escort us through traffic. But there’s no supervision on the bus. And last night we saw what that can lead to. That’s not something we should do again.”
Why are De Lijn drivers refusing shuttle services after recent bus incidents?
Petra De Poorter of the socialist union ACOD said that De Lijn drivers are not striking. She explained that the action only concerns shuttle services for football matches, which drivers no longer want to provide.
Because of yesterday’s fire, we’re now also missing a bus for our daily service. That’s unacceptable to me,”
De Poorter concludes.
The Christian union ACV also raised concerns about the incident. Bart Reyns, ACV spokesperson, said that
“safety at work is a basic need.”
He pointed out that the bus fire showed how unsafe the conditions can be for drivers, especially when transporting away fans during busy match days. Both unions are urging De Lijn and local authorities to review safety rules and take measures to protect drivers.
On Wednesday evening, Nov 5, 2025, in Bruges, a De Lijn bus carrying Barcelona supporters caught fire while fans were boarding before the Club Brugge–FC Barcelona match. The fire started after pyrotechnic material on the bus ignited.
The driver acted quickly, and emergency teams helped evacuate all passengers safely. No one was injured. Police arrested a Barcelona fan at the scene, and an investigation is underway to find out if the fire was accidental or deliberate.
De Lijn has faced other serious incidents in the past. On 16 October 2025, a bus caught fire on the E40 in Ternat while heading to its depot, though no one was injured. On 29 July 2022, a bus driver in Dilbeek was seriously hurt after being attacked by an 18‑year‑old passenger.
