Kortrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – January 13, 2026 – An 18-year-old man from Wevelgem faces court under an expedited procedure following the serious assault on a De Lijn bus driver in Kortrijk on January 12. The driver sustained facial injuries requiring over ten stitches and a concussion after the passenger punched him multiple times for missing a bus stop by approximately 200 metres. A spontaneous strike by around 40 De Lijn drivers in Kortrijk and Geluwe ended after management promised extra inspectors on buses and installation of protective glass cages.
The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. on January 12 in the Beheerstraat near Meensepoort in Kortrijk. A passenger on a De Lijn articulated bus became enraged when the driver passed his stop, promising to halt at the next one just 200 metres away. The 18-year-old then punched the driver repeatedly in the face, causing heavy bleeding and forcing the bus to stop.
The driver received hospital treatment for more than ten stitches above his eye and a concussion. Petra Depoorter of ACOD De Lijn West-Vlaanderen stated the driver was “considerably battered” but did not swerve, avoiding a potentially worse outcome. Frederik Wittock, De Lijn spokesperson, confirmed the driver needed stitches and a social assistant along with colleagues visited him in hospital.
Spontaneous Strike Disrupts South West Flanders Bus Services
Following the assault, approximately 40 drivers from the Kortrijk depot returned spontaneously, halting services from Kortrijk and the Geluwe satellite depot. Only subcontractor buses continued operating, severely disrupting public transport in South West Flanders throughout January 12. Bart Pieters of ACLVB De Lijn West-Vlaanderen noted strong solidarity among colleagues, stating “the measure is full” for them.
De Lijn issued warnings of cancelled or irregular services on its website. The action affected lines, including Menen-Kortrijk, where the incident took place. Private partners maintained some routes, but no De Lijn buses departed from the main depots.
Vakbonden demanded stricter penalties for aggression against public sector personnel and additional safety measures like enclosed driver’s cabins and extra cameras. Alain Haegeman of ACV De Lijn West-Vlaanderen highlighted the use of older vehicles in West Flanders lacking separation between driver and passengers.
Strike Resolution with Immediate Safety Promises
Services resumed normally on January 13 from both depots, with all buses departing as scheduled. The strike concluded after consultations with management provided assurances, including extra inspectors boarding buses that week, particularly on the Menen-Kortrijk line. De Lijn is committed to installing protective adaptations on ten older articulated buses in Kortrijk lacking separated driver’s posts.
Frederik Wittock explained that around 50 buses operate from Kortrijk, with plans to replace them all with electric models by year’s end, which standardly feature enclosed cabins. The company described the incident as “totally unacceptable” and a “very serious matter,” with staff shocked.
Arrest and Judicial Proceedings Against Suspect
Police arrived to find the driver injured and passengers already disembarked; the assailant had fled initially. Officers identified and arrested the 18-year-old from Wevelgem shortly after using available evidence. The West Flanders public prosecutor’s office announced he will appear before a judge in Kortrijk on February 26 under an expedited procedure. [query context]
No further details on the suspect’s identity or additional charges emerged from reports. Vakbonden emphasised the driver’s victim status in such incidents. The event reignited discussions on protecting frontline transport workers amid recurring aggression reports.
Broader Context of Driver Safety in Flemish Public Transport
De Lijn operates in West Flanders with a mix of older articulated buses vulnerable due to open driver’s areas. The company aims for full electrification in Kortrijk by late 2026, incorporating standard safety features. This incident follows patterns of passenger aggression, though specific prior cases in the region were not detailed in immediate coverage.
Extra controls persist on affected lines post-strike. De Lijn supported the driver with team visits and assistance. Police investigation continues, reviewing onboard details.
