Brussels, 26 October, (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Storm Boelo has caused serious public transport disruption in Brussels after powerful winds brought down a tree and damaged overhead electrical cables, forcing the suspension of tram Line 44. Brussels public transport operator STIB-MIVB has deployed replacement buses between Montgomery and Tervuren Station as repair teams assess the damaged infrastructure.
The disruption has created further difficulties for passengers travelling through eastern Brussels, following several days of severe weather affecting the Belgian capital and surrounding areas.
Powerful Winds Damage Brussels Tram Infrastructure
The latest incident occurred at approximately 10.20 pm on Saturday, 24 October, when a falling tree struck overhead electrical equipment supplying tram Line 44.
The damage prevented trams from operating along the affected route, prompting STIB-MIVB to introduce replacement buses.
The operator warned that repairs could take time because damaged overhead cables require specialist technical work and potentially the temporary disconnection of electricity.
Weather conditions have complicated recovery efforts, with further strong winds raising concerns about when engineers could safely complete repairs.
The interruption affects passengers travelling between Montgomery and Tervuren, including communities in Woluwe-Saint-Pierre and surrounding areas.
STIB Confirms Serious Damage and Replacement Bus Services
STIB-MIVB confirmed that the damage was significant and that restoring normal operations would depend on the progress of repairs.
In comments reported by The Brussels Times on 25 October, the operator said:
“We hope the tram can run again tomorrow, but we cannot confirm that.”
The statement reflected uncertainty over whether services could resume on Monday.
The operator’s service information subsequently continued to identify Line 44 as suspended, with replacement buses operating between Montgomery and Tervuren Station.
Passengers have been advised to consult official transport updates before travelling.
Brussels Faces Further Disruption After Storm Austen
The latest damage follows disruption caused by Storm Austen on Friday, 23 October.
Strong winds and falling trees affected several tram routes across Brussels, including lines 7, 9, 39, 44, 51, 82 and 93.
Line 44 experienced earlier overhead cable damage, which was repaired by approximately 8 am on Saturday.
However, the arrival of Storm Boelo later that evening caused fresh damage at another location, extending disruption into Sunday.
The latest interruption also comes during scheduled infrastructure improvements along Avenue de Tervueren.
STIB began work in October to modernise tram tracks and upgrade the Montgomery terminus, with construction scheduled to continue into 2027.
How the Storm Affects Brussels Commuters
The suspension has added pressure to an important public transport connection serving residential communities and passengers travelling towards Tervuren.
Replacement buses provide an alternative, although passengers may face longer journeys and changes to their usual boarding arrangements.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of overhead transport infrastructure to falling trees and severe winds.
For commuters, reliable service information remains particularly important while storm repairs overlap with existing construction-related changes.
When Will Brussels Tram Line 44 Resume?
STIB initially expressed hope that services could resume on Monday, 26 October, but did not confirm a restoration deadline.
The operator’s published service information continued to report the suspension, with replacement buses available along the affected route.
Engineers must complete the necessary repairs and ensure the overhead electrical infrastructure is safe before normal operations can resume.
Passengers should check the official STIB-MIVB website for updated timetables, replacement bus stops and confirmation of service restoration.
