Youths Released in Tram Assault, Banned from West Flanders
Three young men have been released under strict conditions by the Brugge Council Chamber following a violent assault on a coastal tram in De Haan that left seven people injured, according to VRT NWS. As part of their release, the three suspects—aged 18 and 19—are banned from entering the province of West Flanders for the coming months.
The Incident
The assault occurred on the evening of Sunday, May 24, on the Kusttram at the Vosseslag stop in De Haan, a popular coastal town in West Flanders. According to the West Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office, four young individuals could not produce valid tickets during a routine inspection. Three fled while the fourth was detained by De Lijn staff. The three then returned, and a violent altercation erupted.
Five De Lijn employees—four ticket inspectors and the tram driver—along with two police officers were taken to the hospital. One inspector suffered a broken nose requiring surgery, another employee spent the night in hospital with knee injuries, and one police officer was declared temporarily unfit for work.
“I’ve been working at De Lijn for 30 years, but I’ve never experienced this,” said Stefaan Dierickx of the ACOD-TBM trade union, as reported by VRT NWS. “Seven people to the emergency department—that’s unprecedented in my view.”
Arrests and Release
An 18-year-old from Ninove was arrested at the scene. Two others—a 19-year-old from Beersel and a 19-year-old from Brussels—were arrested in the following days. A fourth suspect, also a 19-year-old from Brussels, surrendered to police on Wednesday, May 27, as reported by VRT NWS.
On Friday morning, the Brugge Council Chamber ruled that the first three suspects should be released under conditions. Their lawyer, Pieterjan Dens, confirmed the terms: a ban from entering West Flanders, a contact prohibition with victims, no new criminal offenses, and a monthly payment of €100 into an account for eventual victim compensation.
Fourth Suspect Remains in Custody
Unlike the other three, the fourth suspect—who turned himself in on May 27—was arrested by the investigating judge on Friday and remains in custody. The public prosecutor’s office was considering an appeal against the release of the other three, which would keep them in detention until the Indictment Chamber in Ghent rules on the matter.
Broader Context and Political Response
The incident has reignited debate about safety on public transport in Belgium. In 2025, De Lijn registered 303 cases of physical aggression and approximately 1,800 cases of verbal aggression against its employees, with unions suggesting the actual numbers are higher.
Flemish Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder condemned the violence as “outright criminal and vile behavior,” as reported by P-Magazine. She has renewed calls for body cameras for De Lijn staff—a measure that has been under discussion since at least 2023. According to De Ridder, federal legislation is nearly finalized, and body cameras could be deployed starting in 2027.
Federal MP Franky Demon (CD&V) has called for a national ban on troublemakers in recreational areas, proposing a database managed by the Ministry of Interior.
What’s Next
The case now hinges on whether the public prosecutor’s office appeals the release decision. If appealed, the three youths would remain in custody until the Indictment Chamber in Ghent issues a ruling. Meanwhile, the fourth suspect faces continued detention as the investigation proceeds. The incident has underscored growing concerns about aggression toward public transport workers and the need for stronger protective measures.